HANDLING THE BEES 
Although it is much easier to learn the method of manipulating 
the colonies by seeing an experienced person operate, an effort will 
be made to direct a person not permitted so to observe. 
The smoker should be fired and should be working in such a 
way that a rather dense cloud of smoke can be forced from it if 
necessary. After the veil and gloves are adjusted, if gloves are 
desired, the operator should approach the colony from the rear 
or side and send a few gentle puffs of smoke on the bees at the 
entrance, the guards, which will send them into the hive sounding 
the note of alarm. Should the few puffs of smoke not have the 
desired effect more may be used, holding the smoker a foot or more 
from the entrance. No one can tell exactly how much smoke will 
be needed for a colony, and the amount needed may differ with 
each colony. It is inadvisable to use an excessive amount, as this 
may defeat the purpose for which the smoke is used by driving 
the bees out of the hive. 
The theory of smoking bees is that when smoked they fill with 
honey, and when in this condition they are much less likely to make 
an attack. 
When the guards have been driven in by smoke and a roar is 
heard inside the colony, gently loosen the hive cover with the hive 
tool and when a crack is made large enough to admit smoke but 
too small to allow bees to escape, send some smoke into the crack 
to drive away bees which are there ready to emerge. Then raise 
the cover giving enough smoke across the tops of the frames to 
drive the bees down between the combs, but no more. It is always 
advisable to use the smallest amount of smoke which will accom- 
plish the desired purpose. An excessive amount at this time will stam- 
pede the bees out the entrance of the hive. With the hive tool break 
the sealing between the first and second and third frames from the 
side of the hive near the operator. This will permit the removal 
of the second frame from the hive side, by prying it up at one 
end, grasping that end with one hand while the other end is pried up 
enough to be seized by the other hand and gently lifted from the 
hive. 
The desired frame is more easily and safely removed if the frame 
on either side of it is pried away from it to provide more space 
for its withdrawal. 
It is best, when possible, to work at the side of the hive which 
will allow the sun’s rays to be at the operator’s back. This gives a 
better view of the interior of the hive. 
If it is desired to remove more frames for examination, the first 
one removed may be stood on end leaning against the front corner 
41 
