Course Completed

[mike99]

I have finished my 4th session and worked on the various aspects of beekeeping. My trainer was a retired Beekeeping inspector that was patient and had lots of information for our questions.
We had hands on experience of two very different colonies in terms of behaviour. we learned and experienced marking Drones to simulate the queen.
I hate killing things so I had to overcome that activity and also I had never been stung so we put a bee down my glove and although it was a sharp pain, at least I am not allergic.
I was hoping to get a hive and then a colony but I have joined my local association and they are starting a course next weekend so I can reinforce what I have learned so far.
I love the hands on and can't wait to get my own hive. I guess there is a cut off point to starting a colony in the season?

 

[Swift Nick]

Well done Mike, I purchased two nucs in early July last year, they had grown to full colonies by the autumn & made it through the winter OK.
I would recommend starting with two hives, so you can compare progress and spot a problem more easily.
Good luck

 

[Swarm]

Sorry to say, Mike, you won't react to your first sting... But you may with the next.

 

[mike99]

Really? I thought if I got stung with no after affects, that would show that I am ok. ��

 

[Kenson]

It gives you a "higher probability" of not reacting (badly) to future stings, but stings vary. The really bad reactions are a form of "Anaphylaxis" where the damage is being done not by the sting but by the bodies immune system, in essence your body attacks itself.

There are many ways of triggering an "Anaphylactic Shock", not just stings.

So you always have to be careful.

There is a very good write up of a Beek on here who went through the "desensitisation" course.

The thread is here: https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=21905

K

 

[Swarm]

Ask your association to arrange a talk on the subject. Reactions to bee venom are all levels of anaphylaxis but you won't get that until your immune system recognises the attack.

 

[Poly Hive]

Plus some bees have, or it feels as if they have, stronger venom than others just to add to the mix.

PH

 

[Swarm]

Plus some bees have, or it feels as if they have, stronger venom than others just to add to the mix.

PH

Certainly seems to be the case, it's as if they really mean it. I took multiple stings on one occasion and a few of those were twice as painful as the others. Along with the usual swelling, on that occasion I also developed a rash on armpits and groin.