Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Frantz on September 01, 2008, 06:53:29 PM

Title: lesson learned (the hard way)
Post by: Frantz on September 01, 2008, 06:53:29 PM
Ok, so a pretty good storm was blowing in and I keep the migratory covers on my hives back a little for a top entrance and to help with ventilation, so naturally this morning before the heavy rains hit I closed them up. They have other entrances down below and a few holes in the boxes as well.
Well, just as I suspected it was a down pour, it really came down for a few hours and I was glad that I closed them up.
The lesson comes in the reopening of them. I like the rookie beehaver that I am just stood in front of the hive and proceeded to slide back the cover. WOW!! :shock: I got hit 3 times before I even could duck for cover. The girls must have been ready for me or something and flew backwards at me to get me quickly. That or they have some little sling shot thing set up in there for such an occasion and sacrifce a few KamiKaze's for the greater good. Man, I got hit. I could not believe how fast.
Lesson learned.
My hives are just a few 100 feet from the house, so when I got back my wife was already in tears laughing, my oldest daughter kept saying, "I can't believe our girls betrayed you"...
I am so glad that my family finds comic relief in my suffering.  :? :?
F
Title: Re: lesson learned (the hard way)
Post by: poka-bee on September 01, 2008, 08:23:05 PM
Frantz, what a good husband & Dad you are to provide live entertainment on this Holiday!!  Now your Daughter has stories to tell @ school tomorrow!!  Jody
Title: Re: lesson learned (the hard way)
Post by: Two Bees on September 02, 2008, 09:27:01 AM
Frantz,

I know exactly what you mean!  Sometimes the guard bees will "launch" themselves out of the hive like an jet fighter launching from an aircraft carrier! 

Now, I always use a veil if I am not using smoke.

Title: Re: lesson learned (the hard way)
Post by: EasternShore on September 02, 2008, 05:41:37 PM
ROFLMAO....Thanks...my swollen arm and hand are no less swollen by I am laughing!!! My girls beat me like a step child yesterday...and I was of course not suited up..then suited..no gloves...yup...zing on the hand...I was going to give them EXTRA sugar water...but not after that..it's back to 1:1 for those little buggers!
Thanks for the humor!
Title: Re: lesson learned (the hard way)
Post by: tlynn on September 02, 2008, 07:17:38 PM
It's like they can aim as they fly and launch the stinger as soon as they hit.  I just can't imagine how they can do it so fast!  Good defense strategy!