Typically, I can inspect a hive or two without smoke, veil etc. unless bees become defensive because they bothered by yellow jackets, bumbles bees and there is little nectar coming in. By the time I get to the 3rd hive, the bees start becoming defensive. I believe they smell the different queens' scent from the previous 2 hives on my hands... I will then light up my smoker using pine needles. I use smoke very sparingly since it can be later tasted in honey. Pine needles are abundant and free around here and produce a very thick smoke. The needles burn rather quickly so you have to refuel often to keep the smoke going. I mentioned to my beekeeping uncle in Poland that I was using pine needles here in the US. He felt the pine needle smoke was on the harsh side and irritated bees. He prefers to use linden/basswood wood chips. The smoke is lighter and keeps going longer. But it does effectively quiet bees down. I plan to try basswood chips as soon as I collect some. My uncle also said that robbing phacelia plants in your hands makes the hands smell attractive to bees. I recently got some phacelia seeds that I will plant this week so I'll be able to test this theory. It's been said on Bee-L several times that sumac smoke knocks off varroa although it seems to irritate bees. I am not convinced the benefit outweighs the smokey taste in honey unless only the brood deep is smoked with honey supers off. Waldemar Long Island, NY -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---