Hot tips from experience

[Chris58]

Rule 1 - ask for help from a wiser beek if stuck.
Rule 1000, same as rule 1.

 

[Pete D]

When cutting the grass around your hives on a borrowed 90'' Ransome diesel ride on mower ensure you are proficient in its use before you try and get closer and closer..............
Yesterday at 8 am I clipped the stand on a national with 3 supers and the whole thing came down, lots of angry bees, lots of damaged frames and sticky mess. I was already suited (previous lesson) and had to hastily reassemble the tower. Just hope I didnt nip the queen
My own stupid fault.
Pete D

 

[susbees]

When cutting the grass around your hives on a borrowed 90'' Ransome diesel ride on mower ensure you are proficient in its use before you try and get closer and closer..............
Yesterday at 8 am I clipped the stand on a national with 3 supers and the whole thing came down, lots of angry bees, lots of damaged frames and sticky mess. I was already suited (previous lesson) and had to hastily reassemble the tower. Just hope I didnt nip the queen
My own stupid fault.
Pete D

Today at 8 am the assembly of a hard standing for said hives began.

That really was nearly one for the Darwin Awards - would have been unsuited! I expect that batch of bees will now be totally mower-averse...

 

[witchcraft]

Just because a collected swarm and a shook swarm shouldn't swarm again in the same season doesn't mean they won't when there is tons of OSR coming in... and those aren't supersedure cells :-(

 

[scuttlefish]

If you use an open mesh floor on your hives and put them up on a hive stand with room to stick your head underneath*, you can quickly see how many frames they're covering in the BB without opening the hive up during cooler months.

*Fully suited. They can object quite strenuously if you take a peak up their skirts.

 

[HollyBee]

1)
6) Don't wear Burt's Bees honey lip balm when inspecting your hives,

Is that because of the strong menthol smell or am I missing something? It is currently my lipbalm of choice and so far no problems although will err on the side of caution.

 

[Phayze]

just because there is larvae doesnt mean all is well could still be a drone layer

 

[DulwichGnome]

Just because you listen to the bees, it does not mean the bees will listen to you.

Mike

 

[Nic Rhodes]

Don't stand under a swarm without your veil done up

 

[peteinwilts]

unless your wellies are tight fitting, tuck your suit into your socks.

if you find a hole in your beesuit, repair it. the girls will also be sure to find it.

 

[meidel]

If you use an open mesh floor on your hives and put them up on a hive stand with room to stick your head underneath*, you can quickly see how many frames they're covering in the BB without opening the hive up during cooler months.

*Fully suited. They can object quite strenuously if you take a peak up their skirts.

or another idea is to stick your phone camera underneath said mesh floor and you can film the bees

 

[richardbees]

ALWAYS tuck your trousers in your socks when around your hives.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

On a warm day never lounge about near the hives whilst drinking Chris B's honey beer!

 

[the beehive lodge]

ALWAYS tuck your trousers in your socks when around your hives.

ankles prone to being stung not the best idea

 

[Greatbigchicken]

On a warm day never lounge about near the hives whilst drinking Chris B's honey beer!

Honey beer, sounds fab, any chance of a recipe??

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Honey beer, sounds fab, any chance of a recipe??

Chris B's product not mine - you could contact him for some if you're ever up near Bromsgrove

 

[richardbees]

Alan

It beats the sh*t out of having that crawling feeling on your inner thigh - especially in the middle of an inspection.

Actually, I seldom wear wellies, only when i suspect there may be problems.

 

[nonstandard]

Always make sure your suit is zipped up when visiting the bees.
Always make sure your suit is zipped up when visiting angry bees