The normal tin bee smoker is often prohibitively expensive to either buy of have made. Here are some alternatives that can be made cheaply with materials that are relatively easy to find.

    This smoker has been used successfully by several volunteers in different sites around the Gambia. It is more or less a simple attaya stove that is filled with a good smoke producing fuel.
    Take a large metal can and make sure the top is removed. Holes are punched in the bottom of the can to venitllate the burning coals and smoke fuel. A wire handle is then placed on top.
    The smoker is waved around the hive. It should be remembered that you need to take care not to use too much smoke on the hive lest you contaminate the honey and ruin its flavor.

 
 

Bamboo Bee Smoker
Source: Bianco, Jeanine, Beekeeping In Jamaica

        This is another simple smoker that is used by beekeepers in Jamaica made from a thick piece of bamboo.
 

        Take a section of 3 inch diameter bamboo. This section should be cut just before each of the joints of the section.

    Cut a small hole in the joint just big enough so that you can fit your mouth around it.

    Place a small amount of dry grass in the bamboo near the hole to act as a screen against the coals. Next add some hot coals and other fuel for the smoke. Leave some air space and then wad some more grass in the end to act as another screen.

    To use the smoker, place the coals in the bamboo, and blow through the hole into the hive.

    When using the smoker, it must be held level. If you tip the smoker, you risk spilling the coals into the hive.