What is the primary function of the smoker in beekeeping?

The primary function of the smoker in beekeeping is to calm bees, which is essential for managing bee colonies. When smoke is introduced to the hive, it triggers a natural instinctive response in bees to prepare for a potential threat, such as a fire. This response leads them to consume honey in anticipation of having to move to a new location. As a result, the bees become less aggressive and more docile, allowing beekeepers to work within the hive with reduced risk of stings.

Using a smoker is a crucial practice for successful hive management, enabling beekeepers to inspect, manage, and harvest honey with greater ease and safety. Other options, while related to bees in some way, do not reflect the smoker's primary role. For instance, gathering honey pertains to harvesting methods rather than calming the bees, temperature maintenance deals with the hive's environment rather than introducing smoke, and marking territory does not apply in the context of how the smoker functions in beekeeping.