We’ve all experienced a bee smoker going out just when we need it. Sometimes we may simply forget to pump the bellows for too long while we are getting some other things ready; sometimes we may make the mistake of stuffing the fire chamber too tightly with fuel before the fire has a good chance to catch.
There are a few things that can cause a bee smoker to go out during use. If the smoker is not placed on a level surface, the fuel can fall to one side and smother the fire. The wind can also blow the smoke away from the bees, making it difficult to keep them calm. Traveling between bee yards can also cause the smoker to go out if it is not placed in a secure location.
The Traditional Method
If you're anything like me, you probably get frustrated. I know I do. I've been keeping bees for a few years now, and I've had my share of bee smoker troubles. There are a few things that can cause a bee smoker to go out. First, make sure that you're using dry, cured wood chips or pine needles. If they're too green, they'll smolder but not catch fire. Second, be sure to pack the smoker tightly. A loosely packed smoker will also have trouble staying lit. If you're doing all of those things and your smoker still won't stay lit, there are a few other things you can try. One is to add a little bit of dry grass or straw to the smoker. This will help to create a good draft. Another thing you can try is to soak your wood chips in water for a few minutes before putting them in the smoker. This will help them to smolder more slowly and evenly. If all else fails, you can always try lighting the smoker with a blow torch. I know it sounds extreme, but it really works! Just be careful not to singe your eyebrows off.
If you want to try to re-light the bee smoker, you can dig in and try to find some fuel. Be careful though, as you may burn your fingers in the process. Try to light the fuel from the bottom and see if it stays lit this time.
Better way
They come in handy for all sorts of things around the house and yard, from searing meat to starting a campfire. A propane blow torch is a device that uses a flame produced by the combustion of liquefied petroleum gas to heat up and melt metals. The tip of the torch is usually made of brass or copper and is designed to withstand high temperatures. The flame of a propane blow torch is very hot, so it is important to be careful when using one. A propane blow torch is a great tool to have around the house. They are very versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. They are relatively inexpensive, so they are a great investment. Be sure to use caution when using a propane blow torch, as the flame is very hot.
If you have a propane blow torch, you can easily re-light your metal bee smoker by blasting the flame at the outside of the smoker and pumping the bellows. The heat transfer through the metal will re-light most smoker fuels, making it easy to keep your smoker going.
Some beekeepers are hesitant to heat their smoker metal red-hot for fear of damaging it, but there's no need to be afraid. Bee smokers are designed to withstand high temperatures for extended periods of time, so feel free to go ahead and crank up the heat. Doing so will help ensure that your smoker generates plenty of smoke to calm the bees and make them easier to work with.
This is because beekeepers need to be able to rapidly smoke bees when necessary to calm them. calming bees with smoke is an essential beekeeping skill that takes practice to perfect.
If you're concerned about wear and tear on your smoker, I can report that after a year of relighting it with a torch, the metal on one part of the fire chamber is a little bumpy, but otherwise totally fine.
Precautions
Even though metal shielding protects most of the bellows, the air valve on the back side is vulnerable to damage from flame or heat. So take care not to singe your fingers on the hot metal!
The lazy is more safe
At times and places with an elevated wildfire risk, this method may be a safer way to play with fire in the bee yard.
