How to Handle Bees
Bees protect their hive by stinging intruders. Remember, you are an intruder and therefore you will get stung.
how to handle beesIf this frightens you, you need to overcome these fears and apprehensions. Eventually you will become more confident and you will then be able to handle your bees without worrying too much about it.. You will then get stung less frequently.
A very important tip that you should understand when handling bees is only open the hive on warm sunny days preferably when there is little wind. Most of your bees will then be out foraging for nectar in these ideal weather conditions. Therefore there will be a lot fewer bees defending the hive from intruders. Also in the early part of the year in spring the bee population will be a lot smaller.
If carefully handled, bees will put up with being disturbed for maybe 10 to 15 minutes. Any longer and they may well get angry. You will notice this because they will become nervous and noisy. If this starts to happen the hive should be closed and walk away. You can always come back again tomorrow.
The time spent examining your hive should be kept as short as possible. The scent of the honey will attract other bees to rob your hive. Once robbing of your hive starts it can be very difficult to stop. If this starts to happen you must reduce the number of entrances to your hive
Before, examining any of your hives. You need a lighted smoker. Puff smoke into your beehive entrance before opening the bee hive. Allow time for the smoke to work before you actually open the hive. Make sure that you have the smoker close to hand all the time, you can shoo away any bees away with a quick puff!. Now make sure that you move quietly and slowly. This will prevent you from alarming your bees.
Carefully lift off the bee hive cover slowly and gently. Bees do not like being invaded and any vibrations will set off their alarm system. Do not knock or jar the hive. If you do……. retire and come back later and try again
