Let's talk about making an inspection and what to look for once inside the hive.
Bees cannot hear, but they can sense vibrations extremely well. And they can smell extremely well too, so be sure you don't stink, but don't over perfume yourelf either. Always wear bright colored clothing, preferably white. Bees become more aggressive toward dark clothing, but will rarely land on white. Never eat bananas prior to working your hives. Some suggest the odor of a banana can mimic the smell of another queen and cause the hive to become alarmed.
You'll want to approach the hive with your appropriate gear which includes your hive tool, your lit smoker, your hat and veil and any other protective clothing which you feel necessary. As you approach your hive, remember never to stand directly in front of the hive. This is their flight zone. I've watched beekeepers work their hive from the front, never being taught otherwise and I am amazed that they do not see the thousands of bees that want to land, but are blocked and are gathered behind the beekeeper's back wondering what to do. Always work your hives from behind the hive.
Consideration must be given when placing you hive so that you can have enough room to stand and work behind your hives. STAY OUT OF THEIR FLIGHT PATH! Here's a video of the entrance during a heavy nectar flow...
SMOKE YOUR HIVE
Blow two or three gentle puffs of smoke into the front of the hive. This smoke will cover the guards at the door and allow the smoke to drift up into the hive thus calming the bees as they begin to eat honey. Wait 2-3 minutes so that the smoke can become effective within the hive.
Next, gently pry up your inner cover using your hive tool and blow a few puffs of smoke inside the hive.
*Special Hint* Be sure and secure all your beekeeping equipment during the winter, so that you'll have all you need in the Spring!!
We are swamped from Jan.-Jul. trying to send hives out to desperate beekeepers that need it yesterday. ORDER EARLY!!!
See you next time! Please encourage others to join these lessons!
8 comments:
I would have thought that the reason people don't eat bananas before working the bees is that the alarm pheromone smells like banana oil and might upset the bees. A couple of times when I've cracked open a hive suddenly I've gotten a noseful of banana smell and a faceful of testy bees. But this is only my third season, so I might be out to lunch!
This is a GREAT blog, by the way.
Thanks,
Dan
That is what he just said about the bananas. Don't eat bananas and then try to tend the bees, duh.
I've got a friend (Hi Paulette) who does not use smoke...she uses a sugar spray all over everything.
Opinions? Anyone else do it this way?
I find the sugar spray works well, but my bees are pretty gentle to begin with. When I have a nasty hive, I revert to smoke.
I start by spraying sugar syrup into the entrance and leave it for a little while, then I give a light spray over the top of each super. If they are testy, I spray more heavily. Keeps them from flying.
I also spray plain water to move them around -- to clear them from the top bars before replacing a super for example.
I like it. I am a novice but I try to be easy on my colony. Sugar water seems like a more zen way to tend them. Thanks
I try to get a lot of smoke in the air so when workers returning to the hive have to fly through it.
I was not taught to use smoke or anything else. I am new at this, but so far, the girls have not minded my visits at all. I move slowly and easily. Very small hive at this point though!
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