> >I still think that the chief action of smoke is narcotic, it clouds the
> insect's awareness and immobilizes them. It has nothing to do with honey
> gorging or the intention to flee.

> Pete, I'm curious as to what observations support the hypothesis that smoke immobilizes bees--I do not see that.

Poor choice of words on my part, typing while rushing off to work. I meant reduced mobility. I imagine the effect is different on different work groups. 

All beekeepers know that smoke has different effects at different times, and in different quantities. It can be used to drive bees or to reduce flight activity, etc. 

None of this gets at _how and why it works_ however, which is what interests me. The pacifying effect is the most relevant.

Anyway, interesting discussion!

P

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