A Smoker is a device used by beekeepers to calm honey bees to enable them to inspect the hive.

The Colony’s defensive response is interrupted as the smoke masks alarm pheromones including isophentyl acetate which is released by guard bees and bees which are injured during inspection.

Furthermore the bees consume honey as they anticipate the possibility of a fire due the smoke the bee’s abdomen distends (stomach swells) which makes it difficult for the bees to sting.