Comments on: 5 Steps for Handling Your Honey Bees

By: Robin

Robin — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:16:52 +0000

very informative, y second season of beekeeping and the calmness and how to approach was very informative

By: Infidel

Infidel — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 20:54:30 +0000

Different bee genetics, make a difference. I’ve never bought any package bees. I’ve only caught swarms, of feral bees. Last year, things went South, and all my colonies died off, before winter. Mainly queenless.
This spring, my traps we’re empty. So, I posted an ad on Craigslist. I had one call, from another beekeeper. He said he had just watched, one if his nucs swarm, and I could have them. Easy catch, on a branch, weighed down to the ground. The bees, we’re so gentle, I used no suit. Just snipped the branch, and stuck them in a bucket. He told me, these were Carnolinian’s. They are super easy going. Nothing like my local ferals. I picked up another colony, on a cut-out. Yeah! Huge difference. I’ll keep the suit on for that one.
On the matter of suits. If you are just starting out. DO NOT buy a cotton suit. Yes, they are cheaper. But, I had a cotton suit, for 3 years, and got stung when it became a “wetsuit”, and stuck to me. They are like wearing your own private sauna. I have, since, bought a ventilated suit, that is 2 layers of mesh, with a grid in between. The air flows right through. It’s also thick enough, that the bees can’t sting you. I have yet, to be stung in this one. That being said, tomorrow I’ll probably be hammered. They are a bit more expensive, but well worth the investment. I did that cut-out, in it, wearing only my underwear.

By: Hat With Veil - A Must Have Essential For All Beekeepers

Hat With Veil - A Must Have Essential For All Beekeepers — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 06:05:38 +0000

[…] in elastic, string or zipper. The stringless binding provides great protection and allows you to handle your bees without […]

By: Wesley

Wesley — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 23:08:29 +0000

This was a really good reminder for me, thank you! I’ve never been stung by my bees or any honey bees but if I do get stung while inspecting my hive I will make sure to smoke the stinger. Thank you again for this great website.

By: Joel Rouse

Joel Rouse — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 07:37:24 +0000

Thanks for writing such a great article. I’m very new to beekeeping and have learned so much ober the last few months. I have my hive in my garden so have spent a lot of time watching them.

The most useful thing I found for a hive inspection was figuring out when the bees are most active. My bunch are a feisty lot so when the highest amount are out foraging the hive is at its friendliest. This is probably obvious to the experienced among you!

By: Catharine

Catharine — Thu, 25 May 2017 22:52:35 +0000

Thanks for these tips. I agree with you about the smoke. I think it’s possible to overuse it and, further, if you assume it’s your main tool to calm the bees, you may not pay enough attention to the rest of your behaviour. I notice big differences in bee response depending on who is with me. A nervous observer invariably means the bees are more alarmed and reactive. For this reason, although it can be awkward lifting heavy boxes, I prefer to work with the bees by myself.

By: jackie s woolf

jackie s woolf — Thu, 25 May 2017 19:59:02 +0000

The year 2016 we had 2 hives and one died in July. The DNR in Indiana sent me a lady and showed me why they died. They starved to death. We immediately started sugar feeding the other hive.. then in October I made a 18 pound sugar cake and put on top. I will probably do this each winter just to help. They didnt eat it all but I want to make sure they make it. They made it thru the winter fine. Then they swarmed in early May. We were able to retrieve the swarm and put in the other boxes after we cleaned up and they are being fed a little sugar water for now. Rainy and cold up here.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 25 May 2017 19:10:08 +0000

Great video, thank you! Question though, why did you put the burr comb back in the hive?? Will they recycle that? Thank you

By: Ken Rhodes

Ken Rhodes — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:07:41 +0000

Thank you for a very well written article. I have been keeping bees for 6+ years, have achieved Masterbeekeeper through the University of Montana’s program, and was one of four that set up the Upper Snake River Beekeepers in Idaho Falls, ID. And still have a LOT to learn. This article reminded me of some things we need too continue to do while working with our bees. Very helpful.
Ken

By: Ralph hix

Ralph hix — Thu, 25 May 2017 12:31:43 +0000

Well done. Great article. Thanks.