>What is the best smoker fuel which is least harmful to the bees. I have
>used pine needles, white pine needles, burlap, popsickle sticks, paper
>and other materials.
>All answers will be read.
>Thank you.
>
I use cotton that is left on the side of the road after cotton harvest.  I
have to let the cotton dry out or put it in the oven to dry.  This is a
cheap and cool burning fuel.
 
I have also used:
 
Cardboard rolled into bundles that will fit into the smoker.  Leave enough
space to light the lower edge of the roll.  This seems to be a cool smoke
that I have seen no adverse effect on the bees.
 
Old blue jeans (denim) the smoke is cool and it's a good use of old jeans.
It is sometimes hard to start because of the tight weave so I use old cotton
towels that are too worn to dry anything as a starter fuel.
 
 
Richard Barnes