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Hive tools and bee smokers

Hive tools, smokers and smoker fuel, bee brushes, frame grips, queen catchers and marking kits, with sizes and materials as listed.

Best bee smokersBest hive toolsBest starter kitsHow to inspect a hiveInspection log
Beekeeper in a veil puffing smoke over an open hive in a sunny yard
Photo: USDAgov, Public domain, via Flickr
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Hive inspection logA free hive inspection record: queen and eggs, brood pattern, stores, queen cells, temperament, mite count…

How to choose a bee smoker and hive tool

A bee smoker and a hive tool are the two things you will hold at every inspection. Smoke masks the alarm scent guard bees release, so the colony stays calmer while you work; the hive tool pries apart boxes and frames that bees glue with propolis. This category also covers smoker fuel, bee brushes, frame grips and perches, and queen catchers and marking kits from Little Giant, VIVO, Goodland, Mann Lake, Flexzion, POLLIBEE and others.

Smoker specs, explained

Smoker sizes in the Hive & Frame catalogue

SmokerListed sizeMaterialGood for
Little Giant SM77 inStainless steel, wire heat shield~ One or two hives, light hands
Luwint mini7 in tall, 2 in canister201 stainless~ Kids and quick checks
VIVO BEE-V00111 in tall, 4 in canisterStainless, heat shield✓ Most backyard apiaries
Goodland GLSMKR11 inPolished welded stainless, heat cage✓ Most backyard apiaries
VIVO BEE-V001L / Luwint 12"12 in tall, 4 in canisterStainless✓ Several hives, longer burn

Source: Hive & Frame catalogue (maker listings)

  • Canister size: a bigger chamber holds more fuel and stays lit longer, but it is heavier.
  • Heat shield or cage: protects your hands and gloves from the hot canister.
  • Hook: lets you hang the smoker on the hive wall instead of setting it in the grass.
  • Fuel: untreated burlap, cotton fiber or pellets. Avoid treated fabric and anything with chemicals.

Using them together: how to inspect a beehive and bee suit vs jacket.

Hive tools: J-hook or standard?

A standard hive tool (Mann Lake HD584, 9 in spring steel; Goodland 8 in with wood handle) has a flat scraper at one end and a bent pry end at the other. A J-hook tool (Blisstime 11 in, Flexzion 10.5 in) swaps the bent end for a hook that lifts one frame by its lug. Many beekeepers carry one of each. Stainless steel resists rust, and a bright painted tool, such as Foxhound's orange one, is easier to find in the grass.

Starter tool kits (BeeCastle, POLLIBEE, Flexzion) bundle smoker, tools, brush and sometimes gloves. Compare what is inside before assuming a higher piece count means more value.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Lighting the smoker after you open the hive. Light it first and puff the entrance, then wait a minute.
  • Using too much smoke. A few cool puffs work better than clouds of hot smoke.
  • Putting a hot smoker down near dry grass or inside a vehicle. Empty it into a metal can or let it burn out safely.
  • Brushing bees hard. A soft brush used with a gentle flick, or simply shaking a frame, keeps bees calmer.

Log each inspection in the hive inspection log, and see protective gear and your first hive to finish the kit.

Read before you buy

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Hive tools & smokers: questions

What is the best smoker fuel?
Untreated burlap, cotton fiber, pine needles and commercial pellets all work. The key is fuel that smolders cool and has no chemical treatment.
How do you keep a bee smoker lit?
Start with a small, well-lit base, pack fuel loosely on top, pump steadily until it smokes white, then add more fuel. Hang it upright between uses so air keeps flowing.
Is smoke bad for bees?
Used lightly, cool smoke is the standard way to calm a colony. Hot smoke or flames from an overpacked smoker can harm bees, so keep puffs cool and brief.
What size smoker should a beginner get?
An 11- or 12-inch smoker with a 4-inch canister stays lit long enough for one to several hives. Our best bee smokers list compares them.
J-hook or standard hive tool?
A J-hook lifts frames by the lug; a standard tool scrapes and pries well. See best hive tools for both styles.
Do you need to mark your queen?
No, but a marked queen is far easier to find. Marking kits include a catcher, a tube and a water-based pen.