How to Make a Homemade Bee Smoker
A bee smoker is used to distract the inhabitants of a hive to remove or replace a honeycomb. The smoker consists of a metal chamber in which you burn a safe fuel to create a thick smoke, which is stoked and kept going by the force of bellows. The smoke is then forced out through the opening of a funneled top and directed toward the bees, giving them something else to focus on, other than stinging you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Large can
- Power drill
- Small can (Must be at least 3inches shorter than the larger and fit snugly inside the larger one)
- Soldering iron
- Small metal bulldog clips
- Metal funnel
- Pair of bellows
Instructions
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1
Drill a hole in the side of the larger can about 1 inch from the bottom with a power drill. The diameter of the hole should be the same size as the nozzle of the bellows.
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2
Make several holes in the bottom of the smaller can using the drill. These holes will provide the ventilation for the burning fuel so you want as many as you can fit while keeping 1/8-inch of space between each one.
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3
Slide the smaller can into the larger can until their top edges are aligned. Use small metal bulldog clips to keep the smaller can from sliding further inside the larger one.
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4
Solder the two cans together along the top edges where they meet using a soldering iron. Move the bulldog clips when they get in the way of the soldering iron.
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5
Let the solder harden completely. The solder cools as it hardens so you will know it is ready by holding your hand near the cans to see if they are still warm.
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6
Push the funnel over the opening of the cans with the spout pointing up until it is secure. Look for a funnel the same size as the can openings for a good fit.
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7
Insert the nozzle of the bellows into the hole on the side of the larger can, with the handles arranged vertically rather than horizontally.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the funnel lid on the smoker when you're not using it to prevent anything that might be harmful to the bees from getting inside.
Do not try to approach bees without sufficient protective coverings, even when smoking the hive.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bee bees apises beehive hive insect image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
