What is the primary purpose of using smoke during hive inspections?

The primary purpose of using smoke during hive inspections is to calm bees and mask alarm pheromones. When smoke is introduced into the hive, it affects the bees' behavior in a significant way. The smoke masks the alarm pheromones that bees release when they feel threatened, which can prevent aggressive behavior and allow the beekeeper to inspect the hive with less risk of being stung.

When bees detect smoke, their natural response is to prepare for a possible wildfire, leading them to consume honey in anticipation of leaving the hive. This action makes them less likely to react defensively. Therefore, using smoke effectively creates a more peaceful environment for both the bees and the beekeeper during inspections.

The other options focus on different aspects of beekeeping that do not relate directly to the purpose of smoke in this scenario. While eliminating pests, enhancing honey production, or assisting in honey extraction are important considerations in beekeeping, they do not pertain to the calming effect that smoke has during hive inspections.