> The combination of the above appear to me to be why smoke, gently and minimally applied, is so effective for avoiding the initiation of defensive behavior.

Hi all

Working as a NY State apiary inspector, we were instructed to use liberal amounts of smoke to prevent any stinging incidents (as far as possible). Some inspectors in the good ole days would basically pop the lid, pull the middle frame, look and shut the thing up, leaving behind many irritated colonies. Too much smoke is unnecessary; too little is asking for trouble. 

The other thing is the weather. What is possible in nice weather may be much harder to do at certain times, like right after a thunderstorm. Lots of beeks have the luxury of postponing work. Inspectors are often on a tight schedule, and in our case, we only got paid when we were working so we often worked on bad weather days, with the smoker turned up all the way.

PLB

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