In a message dated 8/30/2003 4:47:07 AM Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
But how often do we think of Chris' point - that when u
handle one colony you must to an extent pick up its unique scent,
particularly on your hands, to an extent on your jacket . Then we open the
next and thrust that scent into the heart of the new colony.

I don't use my smoker on my hives unless I need bees to move or get squashed.
I have it lit, however, whenever I am working the bees. I use it  on my
gloves in between hives. I also use it to mask the smell of a squished bee or a bee
sting.


Kathy Cox, Northern California, Italian, 18 hives

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