Beekeeping Smoker Tips & Coffee Time: Mean Beekeepers

Beekeeping is much more fun if you know how to keep your smoker going to keep your bees calm. Maybe certain beekeepers need to calm down too!
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Whoa, you made it all the way down here! Thank you ♥️ Love you

[@cindysakala9641]

I wear my leather gloves when starting my smoker.

[@karlarnebjornanger2117]

Be VERY CAREFULwith plastic or rubbet gloves when handling fire pls! If they catch fire there will be severe burn damages on your hands!

[@dwren4554]

Might note that the tall 4x10 smoker holds more fuel than the shorter versions and should burn longer if packed to the brim… just sayin

[@beek]

So true, I would ONLY use a tall one!!!!!

[@gregorijshevchenko6434]

Turpentine works much better than the torch

[@beek]

I'll give it a try, thanks

[@ThomasMincarelli-fj8cu]

I completely load the chamber, close the top..and use a torch on the lower outside side of the chamber. Usually takes about 5-10 seconds to light the fire this way.

[@gallowaylights]

@ThomasMincarelli-fj8cu * I shoot the torch in the air hole.

[@KubotaKid]

A tip for smoker cleaning. Metal brush and acetone. Used it for years tig welding. Use generously and then wire brush, save the elbow grease.

[@beek]

Great tip! And thanks for being a subscriber for a year now!

[@cindysakala9641]

Hey Dave, take those latex gloves off before playing with fire!

[@beek]

I thought about that half way into the video 🤣

[@knotheadmillwoodworking8225]

Great video, as always! Why do you have your cage upside down on your smoker?

[@beek]

Is it? I took it off once to do some repair, so I must have placed it back on upside down 🙃

[@donspur]

Great observation. He probably has never needed to hang the smoker on the side of the hive or anywhere

[@anthonycrudo2728]

Quite a coincidence. I visited my 96 yo dad in Phoenix last week. I took him and my mom to a small restaurant (they rarely go out). I was very nice to the hostess and waiter with lots of compliments and joking. When the staff were out of sight, my father said to me, in deadly seriousness, "Being nice to people gets you nowhere and the only way to succeed or get what you want is to be mean and cruel. People only respond with respect when you treat them badly.". This comment seemed really out of character. He carried on for 30 minutes that i would find out the truth someday. He basically considered the concept of " kindness creates kindness" as foolish and immature. They are also fearful of change, sales people, repair people, immigrants, Medical professionals and teenagers/children. It may come from being near the end of life and realizing that you have not gotten all you have wanted and blaming it on others who did things stopping him from reaching some imagined level of happiness or success. I think its an end of life ideology for some people. Anyway, thanks for all the bee info.

[@lavenderbridges]

Wow … so much to unpack there. I hope you keep being kind. And all the best for your Mom and Dad.

[@beek]

Thanks so much

[@BackBeeBrokenBeekeeping]

Love this video! 1. Not enough new beekeepers believe in using a smoker or having one ready. I blame this on Tiktokers who show themselves doing all kinds of crazy stuff with no protective equipment at all...Beekeepers don't realize a smoker can really save the day if stuff goes bad. 2. I wonder how many people watching your video was wondering, "What does he mean, 'phone off the hook?'" 3. Amazon shipping paper! My wife makes sure I am always supplied with plenty of that! 4. COFFEE TIME: I came to this video just for this segment, not for the smoker tips.... Keep up the coffee time and the morals! Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem" - Inscribed on the wall of Mother Teresa's children's home in Calcutta "People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway." ― Mother Teresa

[@BeekeepingwithTheBeeWhisperer]

Totally agree about mean beekeepers, my pet peeve is in beekeeping groups where a beginner asks a fairly basic question, they can be decended upon by 10% of the commentors for not knowing this, take a class, shouldn't be keeping bees if they don't know this etc.... Thank goodness for the other 90% and good folks like yourself David!

[@richjones8319]

Dave, My father said something very similar as he was getting older. He also said to treat people as you'd like to be treated until they show they don't want to be treated that way. That has been my guide to working with and dealing with people.

[@beek]

Wise words.

[@MavericksRacin]

David, I really enjoyed this video! I came here to see your technique on what the video stated, but I stayed and got more out of listening to the “Coffee Talk” almost more! You have a very positive, Feed Rogers persona and happiness. Thank you for spreading this kinda positivity! Although I’m not a bee keeper yet, doing this research and learning from you, I hope I can be one day! Thank you sir, keep it going!

[@beek]

So nice of you to say

[@bachmanmwb]

This is so great, time to open of the legs on my grate, not to mention clean the rim so I don't have to go Hulk-smash every time I try to open/close it! On being nice - my wife has been a claims adjuster for a major insurer for almost 2 decades, and she says often - being mean can cost you a LOT of $ on the claims side of things, just like being nice can tilt that scale heavily in your favor when it otherwise wouldn't. Be kind. Always. Great video as always Dave!

[@beek]

Thanks for watching

[@evertkleynhans2617]

Coffee time: I spent 40 years in the "tough guy, mining bad boy" arena. Early in my career I realised that there will always be bullies. I made a little plaque on my wall reminding them: Do not confuse kindness with weakness. Some of those tough guys learned the hard way that they are not as tough as they think they are. Thanks for the excellent videos, I really enjoy them.

[@beek]

So true

[@margaretdenny3507]

Hi David, thanks as always for the helpful advice! We used your starter fuel lighting method last Saturday and the smoker worked fantastic! Often, I think the smoke has been too hot, but Saturday was a charm!

[@beek]

That's good to hear, and it's so helpful to have a good working smoker.

[@dandorosheff256]

Thanks Dave for your consistent production of content. It looks like your smoker's safety "cage" is upside down. The hook that is currently pointing up, should be pointing down. This way the hook can be used to rest the smoker on the side of a box or board fence or equipment box. Just thought i would share.

[@beek]

Yes, I've got to fix this 😃

[@tomcolstonsr5948]

I beleive in being kind along with being firm. It is called gaining respect.

[@beek]

True

[@charliegioe3158]

The pieces that are already burnt people called them charred cloth which lights very very easy

[@filnanne]

I use WD-40 or spray lubricant to light my fuel. It will get fuel to the bottom of the smoker. I am talking about a 1 sec spray. Everything lights well and fast. Personally I use Pine needles, but this would work with burlap as well.

[@gene-sloca]

Thank you for sharing your story about your Father.

[@beek]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kathrynmoore6293]

I agree with you on kindness.

[@TheKeepersHive]

May want to try greens (grass, weeds, leaves, etc) at the top of the smoker to try to keep smoke cool. Good to puff some on the back of you hand to make sure it is cool. I like filling the smoker and lighting from the outside with a torch. Good to see everyone doing it slightly differently. The more perspectives, the more we will learn. Got to keep beekeeping fun for sure! George

[@GotDuhka]

It's important to remember, and David mentions this; Every area is different. Where I live, July is our best month. EFB is calming down, swarming is calming down, and our main honey flow is usually just picking up.

[@wpankey57]

I use the J hook, on my hive tool, to clean out the top of the smoker

[@beek]

Yes

[@gene-sloca]

Love the shirt David.

[@beek]

Kinda funny.

[@user-sr7pu1xg7s]

Hello David. If you put a smoker horizontally, it will stop smoking without a cork.

[@beek]

Indeed, I made a video several years ago showing this.

[@JeromeBeeFarm]

I can tell you're a nice guy just by your demeanor. I appreciate your videos and have learned quite a bit from you over the last few years. When I come accross unkind people, I react one of two ways. I first assume they are having a bad day and I give them another chance, or if it's continuous and they are actively trying to do bad to me/my whatever, I'm done with them and will do whatever I can to not interface or work with them again. I call those folks actively disengaged and they aren't worth the effort to try to turn them around. AND thanks for the smoker tips AND I so want to know what you used to do for a living!. LOL

[@beek]

Great advice and glad you enjoyed the video

[@alanlandheer8558]

I roll pine needles or dry leaf loosely up in a strip of burlap. Lights easily and fills the smoker in one shot. Smokes like a fat cigar!!

[@alanlandheer8558]

Often I pre make a bunch of these....makes life easier.

[@jenwagner5913]

I have completely experienced stuff like that some people are just mean to be mean

[@homercampbelljr5489]

Running a company at age 23 for 30 plus yrs u meet alot of people . Not all will return your kindness ( some see as weakness) being kind I try not letting that change my own core beliefs

[@beek]

Love it

[@altaylor293]

I have found it is hard to give a smile away. Usually when I give someone a smile, they will give it back to me. 😊

[@beek]

Love it😊

[@gene-sloca]

I Love Coffee Time. Thank you David.

[@beek]

Glad you enjoyed my coffee time.

[@derekmathers2824]

Nice is nice.

[@richardhall8679]

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Gal. 6:9-10

[@maryannl7904]

It’s better to walk away than to continue allowing yourself to be taken advantage of or, worse yet, abused. I’ve had to walk away a couple of times in my life and now that I’m 65 I don’t have time for these black holes that suck all the energy out of me.

[@beek]

Me too, I've walked away several times.

[@stndlovu]

David, is your smoker surround grille not upside-down?

[@beek]

I've got to fix this

[@Uncle_Buzz]

Smoke is a joke to Africanized bees I found out last week. Otherwise, it's awesome.

[@beek]

Yikes

[@Capt_Ron]

Excellent resource. Thank you, David. I’m a new bee keeper this year with two hives because they swarmed the 2nd day I had them! Luckily they swarmed in a small cedar tree and I was able to catch them in a second hive bottom. What a steep learning curve!!! Lol

[@jayglosser2014]

David, you are smoking! GREAT VIDEO! I have two shorter smokers and at times I have to refuel the smoker because I may over smoke the bees. I harvested honey this morning, removed 8 full capped over super frames from 3 super boxes, replaced with drawn out frames. I found one SHB but it was in an oil trap - dead. Super weather today. Again DAVID THANKS for a great smoker video.

[@slickniner]

thank you so much for your comments on the value of being kind. I think we can do so much more when we work together. I salute you, sir, and your commitment to building each other up.

[@beek]

I appreciate the kindness! And thank you so much for subscribing to my channel.

[@HOPEbus]

Love ur channel and every thing u share . I feel being nice feels better n how others choose to be is on them . I believe that is our " life test" ... To not allow others to change who we truly are regardless of how they are. 😉❤️🙏🏽💫

[@beek]

Excellent!! So true.

[@jeffemiller1470]

You are definitely a super nice guy!! You give us so much training and it is so appreciated.

[@beek]

That's very nice of you to say. I appreciate you as well.

[@wilmafeuerstein434]

Thank's for the corc trick and cleaning idea. I always left the smoker and let it all burn down.

[@markbasinger6015]

Appreciate the tips and people advice. Very true.

[@beek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SIBEEMAN]

Nice David, thanks for being such a nice mentor to us all! Have a nice evening!

[@beek]

I appreciate the nice comment.

[@dozer101308]

Thanks for the smoker tips. I'm going to check the tabs on mine. I think they are still folded down because it doesn't sit up very high off of the bottom. Just a tip for others watching to use caution wearing gloves like that around fire. That flame can come up fast and melt them to your hand. (Just a PSA, I'm not being critical of you wearing them, I do the same sometimes.) I've noticed when I'm dealing with someone who is upset or just in a bad mood, being nice to them usually improves their mood. I really don't even acknowledge them being grouchy towards me. I just treat them kindly and their mood typically improves. Occasionally I run in to someone that when being nice doesn't work, I give them a doze of their own medicine. Like any medicine, it needs to be given properly to work. Just enough attitude back at them and they suddenly start being nice.

[@beek]

Yes, I didn't intend on lighting it until I got halfway into filming. But you are right on!

[@ruthisaac2390]

I appreciate you sharing this information. I fight getting my smoker to stay lit sometimes.

[@hillkid4mountains]

I have used many different kinds of smoker fuels. Clean dry pine needles are free on the forest floor all around me. I've used chemical free coffee bean Burlap given to me too. Can have a strong smell if inhaled. It works well but many times you don't always have leftover charcoaled pieces like yours to light the smoker so easily. A couple of loosely crumped up black and white half sheets of newspaper with some flame, then add pieces of newly cut up strips or small squares of burlap will give you the needed coals. While working your bellows add more filling it to the top with larger chunks always wanting a cool dense white smoke coming out of the funnel of your closed smoker in the end. No gray flaming hot smoke coming out of the top open or closed. A bee wing singer you will be. I use organic wood pellets now for longer smoke time. Just a little harder to get them going. Dried wood chips from tree guys, punk wood from old logs, some use cardboard but I haven't, dry tall grass I do have in my meadow or loose horse hay from our barn, and I even picked up leftover wads of cotton by the side of the road off of the freeway while driving down thru Bakersfield to Southern California. I live in the foothill mountains of Northern California in the Sierra Nevadas. Watch out for starting fires the next couple of months. Just had the Thompson fire burn 3,000 plus acres in Oroville Ca. A lot of evacuations. Good luck during this hot weather and bee safe. 🐝

[@roytilsch465]

I thought I knew all I needed to know about smokers. I was wrong 3 year beekeeper I never knew to take bottom out. Thanks, Dave.

[@beek]

Yes, make sure it is situated correctly.

[@wstepnout7215]

Yes David I think most people have been wronged by others. It takes a while but leaving those type of people behind, step away from them. We are all better off walking away from the negative. WE are much more approachable when we smile, Cheers from Canada.

[@beek]

A good word! And thank you for being a subscriber for a year!

[@boulderjoe1]

I've been having more trouble with my smoker! I do know how to light a fire.. . just didn't realize that i needed to light my smoker like a campfire. Also, my screen got thrown away. PS - I love the philosophy lessons. I'm trying to implement some of this with my daughter, as we tend our two hives. Thanks!

[@beek]

Yes, just like a camp fire.

[@rodkirt9273]

My property has some pine trees that make very small seed cones that I collect after they have fallen to the ground . I place some burning paper in first and add a pine cone , then the burlap : works great !!

[@beek]

Nice! And wow, thank you for being a subscriber for over 6 years!

[@HH-forIAM]

I use newspaper to start & punky wood for fuel since that's what I have around. I pull a few handfuls of weeds & pack them on top. It prevents sparks & makes a cool smoke for the bees.

[@beek]

Gotta watch those sparks.

[@KubotaKid]

Nice screen, was debating something like that. I have large afghan pines so needles are endless, no issues with fuel.

[@aimalsiddiqi9835]

You’re the best❤

[@mlm1hopeify]

My husband is a very nice guy and everyone loves him. I tell him he's too nice sometimes, but you're right. He's gotten far.

[@beek]

Great to hear.

[@user-wo6fe6de3i]

Honestly, I find the local bee clubs to be smug and talk down to everyone like they are dumb, I have been working with and keeping bee's since I was 6yrs old, and now in my 40's I just avoid other beeks especially local clubs and workshops. I am always nice to everyone and willing to help, but I avoid the beek conversations unless im one on one with a fellow beek.

[@beek]

There are very strong cliques in the beekeeping community. You are either in or out.

[@Garywilson-k2k]

I always help and loan and just give people money all my life and all i get is Fu

[@Hornsup18]

David! help! my single hive is queenless after a swarm I couldn’t catch and there is 1 virgin in the hive that hatched yesterday. (I got rid of all the other cells) Because it’s the only colony in my area her mating won’t be successful. Should I order a new queen ASAP? and how long should I wait to make sure they don’t have the virgin/new cells?

[@beek]

Great question. Please bring it to my livestream this week as the answer will help others.My livestream may be helpful to you as well. This Thursday, 7pm central time. Here's the link: kzbin.infouCfVf1pDv5Q

[@marklove2022]

Another great method to extinguish smoker is to close the lid on a single sheet of newspaper, about a quarter page. Then that piece can be used to start the next fire. I used to stick a corncob in the spout until an old beekeeper showed me this 30+ years ago.

[@beek]

Yes, I learned that tip in 2009 when I was testing as a Master Beekeeper

[@brettwhite5906]

This morning I burned browned dried grass clippings and corrugated cardboard pieces in my smoker. It worked well.

[@beek]

Great and thanks for being a subscriber for 3 years!

[@slava790]

For what do you use the hemostat?

[@beek]

It has so many uses in the bee hive!! I'll have to make a video.

[@Cathy24601]

What do you do about predatory people who think because you are nice there are no consequences to screwing with you?

[@beek]

Like I said, be nice as long as they will let you then you have to protect yourself and move on.

[@jamesowens2781]

Hey good evening

[@evonnewhalen9794]

Sad to say my dad always made a point to hurt my feelings for being nice to other family members or people I didn’t even know. Thank the the Lord I never stopped being nice to others. I love helping others.😊

[@beek]

Good for you.

[@richardjuarez7749]

Anyone know where to order the screen David uses in the video

[@beek]

I wish I knew who the person is who made those for me. It won't be long until they will be sold in every bee store and on Amazon 🤣

[@davidshepard4067]

If you fill your smoker then take your fuel tank and then put the flame against your smoker it will light and you just pump away

[@lavenderbridges]

18:05 I have absolutely been in that situation … more than once. It is a personality crinkle when one takes advantage of others that way. I will give them the assumption of good will one or two times. However, when I realize that the personality crinkle is there, I am done. Smiles are THE BEST!!

[@beek]

You are very wise!!

[@RB-cz5jn]

Electric bbq briquette lighter ($20)small pile briquette outside smoker. Hand full of smoker pellets. Less than 10 minutes full smoke

[@blaineheckman4901]

Yes I've been nice to people and helped them and been used and abused so I've quit helping them

[@beek]

I get it, it's tough. It really does grow us to be able to continue to help, love and support the hand that bites you.

[@06AngusSG]

Your pleasant demeanor is one of the things that attracted my wife and I to your videos last year when we started our beekeeping adventure. I struggle all the time with being nice. Not because I'm a mean person but because it seems in every aspect in my life, be it work, friends or family, no matter how nice I try to be it's not a reciprocal gesture. So, the only thing that keeps me there is God's guidance and the few people I'm around that are kind in return.

[@beek]

Bravo!! Great comment, and you are wise.

[@jasonpindell5940]

Excellent job David. I could not agree with you more. I have always tried my best to just be nice to everyone... and it has worked very well for me. Hope more people feel the same way. Also great tips on the smoker.

[@beek]

Thanks Jason and wow, a subscriber for 3 years, I appreciate you!

[@michaeltabors2193]

Thank you sir for the lesson on building a fire on your smoker and life advice much appreciated.

[@beek]

Very NICE of you to say, and I appreciate it. Glad the videos are helpful.

[@markschoenhals4816]

Really good info. As always. I use pine needles pack it full pressing with hive tool. Use the hive tool to pack. Then use the torch on bottom side of can to light. Works really good.

[@dennisfamilyhomestead9028]

I came to your videos because I had a problem with my smoker today and I figured I could find something you said and Walla you just put this up. How funny is that

[@EvanHofmeyer]

There will always be mean people. Dont matter how hard you try. They will always be there. Never ever alow them to change your attitude. Be nice becouse you are nice. Period.

[@beek]

I love it! You are right on.

[@sweetvapors]

I have a shirt that say "bee the change you want to see in the world"

[@beek]

So true and thanks for being a subscriber for 2 years!

[@Chasing_The_Dream]

I found out how ugly people can be no matter how nice you are. No matter what you do for them their family or friends. I am nice and do not care if it is returned. At night, I have to lay my head down and know I did right with my life for the day.

[@beek]

Very very true and great advice.

[@Peter-od7op]

When i was at work telling a forman he was an idiot but smiled he got it he was an idiot

[@kennethhoward4904]

When I do use smoke I use pine needles

[@beek]

They do work great. I just don't have any pine trees near me.