Hi From Deepest Mid-Devon

[Lord Morchard]

I have kept Bees on and off since the late 1960’s, I started looking after Bees when I was at Agricultural School in Somerset.
My problem is I react badly to Bee Stings( Bad Swelling) but have always found I cant loose my interest in keeping them ( Must bee mad !!)
The last Bees I had was about 3 years ago, but I am starting to get whithdrawl symptoms, I did get rid of all my kit except my Bee jacket/ Bee Hood. And Im very tempted to start again, possible with just 1 Hive and see how I get on, my wife is not pleased as I got rid of the kit and Bees. And now want to start again.
As we live up in the Mid-Devon hills (535 ft above sea level) it can be a bit wet/Windy and exposed here, and we now have young Grandchildren, I am thinking I would put 1 hive up on a large flat roof shelterd from the West wind, and away from roving Grandchildren, But they could watch the hive from an upstairs window .
Any way this forum has raised my interest, so will see what happens in the comming Spring
I will keep you all informed

 

[madasafish]

Have you considered a de-sensitisation course?

 

[For want of a better word]

Cheers

 

[Swarm]

Have you considered a de-sensitisation course?

For swelling?

 

[enrico]

To be fair most of us started with bad swelling from bee stings to start with. If I got one on the wrist my arm used to be unbendable for a week. Now......I am one of the lucky ones, it took 25 years for me to get a lesser reaction. The secret is to try your hardest not to get stung. Suits are far superior now, as are gloves so there is little reason for many stings if you are careful
Good luck
E

 

[madasafish]

To be fair most of us started with bad swelling from bee stings to start with. If I got one on the wrist my arm used to be unbendable for a week. Now......I am one of the lucky ones, it took 25 years for me to get a lesser reaction. The secret is to try your hardest not to get stung. Suits are far superior now, as are gloves so there is little reason for many stings if you are careful
Good luck
E

I had the same when I started out in 2010. As I keep without gloves #, I kept count of stings (sad I know) and after approx 70 stings a year for 5 years I had no reactions - apart from redness. Which was just as well as my count for 2016 exceeded 200 -# I wear gloves after approx 6-7 stings and that year I had several bouts of >10 stings before I gloved up.

So I agree, to gain immunity from venom - but not immunity from pain - it appears you need a lot of stings...fairly regularly.

 

[applejack33]

Sting treatment

One Piriton tablet usually reduces swelling and irritation quickly for myself

Applejack

 

[Kenson]

Welcome M'lud

I have one hive, which seems to have survived the winter, maybe just. I will add a second this year if I can persuade some more to move in

In a way you have done yourself a favour by getting rid of your old kit, these modern Poly hives are a real boon, and I think prices must be the lowest ever, especially if you buy frames from your local association, I recommend joining your local gang.

K

 

[john t]

Welcome to the forum and back to beekeeping, like myself i am a returning beekeeper i couldn't stay away, unless you are seriously allergic im sure with the correct suit and quiet bees you will be just fine

 

[Pszczelarz]

welcome, you should definitely go for it.