Bee Careful!

A cautionary tale: 

Remember that wild swarm

I collected from a tree a couple month ago? They’re doing great and the colony is thriving. So yesterday, I finally moved the frames from the temporary nuc cardboard box into a legit hive. Piece of cake. These bees were so mellow, I didn’t even need gloves or a smoker. 

I was already all sweaty from being at the gym and just stopped to do this task on my way home. I did throw a veil on over my workout clothes, but it really wasn’t even necessary. 

I checked out the other hives, and our big colonies are getting crowded. Look at all that bearding outside the hive boxes. That tells me they’re getting too hot with close quarters inside and they need another box. 

So I lit the smoker, threw on some gloves, and quickly popped a honey super on the the hive on the right. Easy.

Unfortunately, I was living hastily, and when I picked up the kit to put it back on the hive, I was reckless and didn’t look at what I was doing. When I removed the lid, u had taken a huge clump of bearding bees with it. When I picked it up to place back on the hive, I grabbed it right on the cluster and my gloved hand crushed hundreds of bees. 

Sound the alarm. 

I heard the crunch and knew my mistake right away. 

The living bees immediately started blaring a deafening noise to alert the rest of the hive of danger and bees started swarming out of the hive in droves to surround me. 

I grabbed the smoker, dropped the lid, and started walking away from the bee yard as quick as possible. 

If only I had not been in a rush. 

If only I been more careful. Sorry bees! 

If only I had gone home to put on real clothing instead of running tights. 

I waited 10 minutes for the hive to calm down, then crept over slowly with a smoker and got the hive closed back up. I’ll have to do the other hive another day. 

I was pulling bees out of my quads on the drive home and had 3 more dead ones inside my garden boots. 

All in all, we counted 24 stings on my legs and butt.

It really isn’t terrible, all things considered. I’m SO glad I put a veil and gloves on! Regretting the poor leg protection and embarrassed by my carelessness for sure.  If yall need me I’ll be over here icing my cheeks, loading up on Benadryl and pretending pain isn’t real to save face. 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

 There are so many life lessons to be learned here. 

Pain is an excellent teacher.