Hello, all!
I’m a new beekeeper in Texas and have avidly followed your threads over my morning coffee. I’ve grappled with this same question because my bees are so docile.
By way of exposition, I had a wild hive down by the creek. I didn’t notice it until I’d walked past it a week. Five feet away and I missed it, which says loads for my situational awareness. However, it’s because the native bees were so calm.
that hive disappeared last year, much to my chagrin because I’d invested loads in planting bee-friendly plants nearby for them.
so, I invested in a hive to take their place. I went through Mountain Sweet honey bees and started with some trepidation because it seemed quite dangerous. Don’t laugh. I’m a planner.
I went to pick up my bees and ran into a young person exiting with a box of gently fanning and chill bees. My heart surged with hope and excitement! I could do this.
The box brought out to me was terrifying. My bees sounded like they were having a rave. I wore my bees suit in the car home because it seemed easier to explain to any traffic police why I’d done it than running from a smal swarm should they break loose.
Exposition now delivered, my bees are so clam that I often huff at having to Gear up to attend them.
I’ve invaded their space loads of times to watch, check that the queen is laying and manage hive beetles, which took some doing but proved easier than Ianticipted.
I’m sure there are some Africanized hives and I’ve heard of those down further south. Every time I think of leaving off the bees suit, I remind myself that these are wild things and it’s best to treat them as such and not succumb to laziness.
I love your forum! You’ve been such a source of courage and. Inspiration to me. Here is my one little, sweet hive. I hope they grow and prosper.
all the best,
jackie
"Ouch....
