In a message dated 07/09/03 05:03:05 GMT Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<  Is it not likely that, when this strange
 behaviour occurs, there is something in the smoker fuel that really stirs
 them up? >>

I usually use old sacking in my smoker (when I am not using liquid smoke) and
sometimes to make the smell more pleasant I wrap herbs in it.  Rosemary works
well, pineapple mayweed is a favourite, and both are well accepted by the
bees, but on one occasion I used sage (salvia officionalis) and the bees poured
out of the hive to attack the smoker.

However I do not discount suggestions that bees may also choose dark spots
(patches on the bee suit) or hot spots (wrists, ears) as I have noticed these
can also be singled out for attention and stinging.  Perhaps the most likely
explanation is that there are many stimuli but only one response that we notice.

Chris

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