Ok so after several hive checks I have deemed a hive in my apiary as agressive. Not only are they extremely agressive but they seem to get all the other hives going as well when I check them. I enjoy doing hive checks but the last few times this one hive has made it painful and unenjoyable. I cant even come within ten yards of the hive and they are all over me. I got this hive from a experienced beekeeper and payed plenty for it. What should I do? Should I get rid of them or is there way to make them less agressive. I have run into africanized before and this hive reminds of that.
Re queen the hive. Suit up better in the mean time.
How often are you going into the hive? Too often and they get really cranky.
They may be queenless. That makes them mean.
I'd suggest requeening, but it's getting a little late. Most suppliers have sold out. B. weaver has emailed that they have some coming, but a lot of people have reported bees from Weaver can be mean.
Where you are, is there AHB genetics?
Buy a mated queen and let the other meet the hive tool if everything else in the hive looks normal. G
What time of day are you doing the inspection? I have the same issue with one of my hives but afternoon seems to be the worst time. I now do inspections late morning or not at all.
The other suggestions/thoughts here are excellent.
If I get a mean hive, I will often pick up the whole thing and carry it 50 yards away. At the very least, this will allow me to inspect the other hives in peace and harmony. I check the aggressive hive last to avoid riling the other bees...
I have split an aggressive hive among all hives, shaken them out, re queened them, split the aggressive hive into five or six nucs with new queens, etc.. Some folks like aggressive bees and claim they make more honey.. Perhaps they do! I am content with my calm bees who only make 120 lbs or so per hive in a decent year. I keep bees because I want to enjoy it, not be uncomfortable, uneasy, and anticipating pain.
Requeening a hot hive:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesrequeeninghot.htm