An essential piece of equipment for the beekeeper - a metal canister, with a funnel-shaped top and bellows. It is used to subdue the bees by making them think they are threatened by a fire and therefore will have to leave the hive and look for a new home. They gorge on the honey stores to ensure they have plenty of food for their jouney, which makes them in theory more docile. Excessive use of a smoker can antagonize the bees and if the bees are good tempered and easy to handle without using the smoker then do not smoke them. Smoker fuel varies from corrugated cardboard rolls, soft rotten wood, wood shaving and pine cones.