What type of smoke is recommended when inspecting hives?

The recommended type of smoke when inspecting hives is cool, white smoke. This type of smoke is beneficial for calming bees during inspections, as it does not overwhelm them or cause alarm. Cool smoke is ideal because it helps to mask alarm pheromones produced by the bees, effectively reducing their defensive behavior.

Additionally, the use of cool, white smoke minimizes the risk of harming the bees or damaging the hive. It ensures that the bees are less likely to become aggressive, allowing the beekeeper to conduct the inspection more safely and efficiently.

Using thick black smoke, warm orange smoke, or scented smoke can potentially irritate the bees or create conditions that lead to increased aggression. This can complicate hive inspections and pose risks both to the beekeeper and the bees themselves. Thus, cool, white smoke remains the most effective and advisable choice for hive inspections.