In a message dated 19/06/2006 12:45:51 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Where I  live, here in Ireland, local bee keepers have stopped using
smokers  altogether.  We find that a squirt of very dilute syrup is
every bit  as effective and much less hassle.



I often use liquid smoke instead of lighting the smoker, althugh I haven't  
done so since I have had a bandage on my thumb - the smell is persistent.  
However, the advantage of ordinary smoke is that one can to some extent herd the  
bees, eg moving them away from bits where they are likely to get squashed.
 
Chris

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