VSBA Virginia Apprentice Beekeeper Practice Exam

Using smoke during bee inspections primarily serves to calm the bees. The reason for this calming effect is based on the way bees perceive smoke as a signal of potential danger, such as a wildfire. In response, bees instinctively prepare to protect their colony and will often start to consume honey in anticipation of an evacuation. This action leads to a more subdued state as they become preoccupied with consuming honey.

Additionally, the smoke can also mask the pheromones that bees use for communication, which can lessen their alarm responses. Consequently, when beekeepers utilize smoke effectively, it allows them to inspect the hive more safely and with minimal disruption to the bees' natural behavior.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established understanding of how smoke affects bee behavior. While there may be some misinterpretation regarding disorientation or aggression, the predominant and widely accepted effect of smoke on bees is indeed one of calming.