Don't rush to the rescue

Tucker1 · January 15, 2010, 12:16:18 PM

Yesterday, I took a short walk just to see how one of my hives was doing. The weather here has been very damp, but the temperatures have been in the upper 30's (night) and 40's (day). On this day, the temperature was about 45. When I finally came upon the hive, it was tipped over and the spilled upon the ground. Surprisingly, the bees were keeping to the frames and the disheveled brood boxes.

Feeling a need to act immediately, I tried to assemble the hive on the spot. BIG MISTAKE ! As much as I told the bees that I was only trying to help, they stung the crud out of me. Here I am, slipping and sliding in the mud, swatting at the bees trying to string my face/arms and also cursing out loud. Anyone that might have seen me would have thought I was a crazy man. This is the only time this hive has shown any aggressiveness. The girls were mad and needed to take out their anger on someone. After about 1 minute, I realized I needed to go home and get my bee suit and other equipment. By now, my left hand and wrist had a good six stings, my ankles another 4 or 5, my legs 4 or 5 stings and my lip another 3 or 4. As I walked (very briskly) away from the hive, I realized that my lip was swelling. When I finally got to a mirror, it was all puffed up and starting to split. It protruded out about 1/2 inch. Surprisingly, I just burst into laughter. I looked horrible, but had to laugh at my self. No more heroics for me. Who says Bee Keeping isn't for the adventurous soul. Needless to say, I got no sympathy from my wife, who also got a good laugh at my expense.

After returning with my equipment, I was able to reassemble the hive. The girls were still very mad and aggressive. I guess I can't blame them. The weather was mild, so I'm hoping that things will be back to normal by Monday. I guess this is just another lesson learned, the hard way.

This goes to show you that "No good turn goes unpunished." Life is good.

Regards,
Tucker1

D Coates · January 15, 2010, 01:58:43 PM

I will remember your tale when I am eventually challenged with a similar situation

BeeHopper · January 15, 2010, 02:31:34 PM

Note to self : Always Carry Thy Gear in Thy Truck :)

MacfromNS · January 15, 2010, 02:41:28 PM

Well thanks for taking all those stings for us ,
yup now I know better.

lenape13 · January 15, 2010, 03:21:06 PM

They were just trying to get your attention. Their way of saying, "Hey, look down here! We need your help!" :-D

JP · January 15, 2010, 04:48:00 PM

Tucker, you did them right by putting them back together. Even the gentlest of bees become agitated when something like that happens.

I often find colonies become aggressive when in transfer. Once you set them up at the new site and reopen them make sure you're standing off to the side or suffer the consequences!

Always good to have protective gear close by, just in case.

...JP

Sparky · January 15, 2010, 08:57:07 PM

Tucker. :lau: :lau: Had to laugh with you as you described it so well. They just didn't understand that you were their friend and just wanted to help. Did you get any tangled in your hair and sting your scalp ? Once they get in it is almost impossible to get them out without taking a few hits. Did it get knocked over by a bear ?

Scadsobees · January 16, 2010, 12:23:30 AM

Sorta like how a drowning person can take down the rescuer?? :roll:

If they survived a while on the ground, they can survive until I come back with my gear. We're always learning the hard way though!! :-D

honeytaker · January 16, 2010, 12:43:16 AM

SURE HURT TOOK ONE TO THE THROAT AND A FEW ON THE BACK OF MY HEAD THE NEXT MORING I LOOKED LIKE A WALKING PEAR HAD TO GO TO THE DOC'S I'VE BEEN STUNG MANY MANY TIMES BUT THEY GOT ME GOOD I FEEL FOR YOU BROTHER

kedgel · January 17, 2010, 11:48:07 PM

Tuck:

LOL! I'd probably loose my religion, too if I were being eaten alive by a bunch of cranky bees! Speaking of religion, judging by your snippet of the Parley P. Pratt hymn, good to see another fellow LDS beek. I agree with scads, they would have waited for you to get your suit, but you did give us all a chuckle envisioning your comical retreat!

Kelly

Tucker1 · January 21, 2010, 07:57:47 PM

At least I heal fairly quickly. The girls are all calmed down and seem to be enjoying the warmer weather to take some cleansing flights. The comments about always have a suit at hand ... are "spot on". This spring the girls and I are going to have a serious talk about this little incident. If their productive, I 'll accept it as their way of apologizing.

In reality, they are very gentle and easy to work with. Normally, I can open this hive without any smoke and they let me move frames around with ease. I guess everyone has an "off day".

Regards,
Tucker1