Too Much Smushing bees!

[MustbeeNuts]

Everytime I inspect the hive there is always some dumb bees that get up under the inner cover and get smushed, I tried be gentle and slow, I tried being quick, I brushed them off, blew them away, smoked them, sugared them you name it but they always run up on the edge. then once I get that on they all run up the sides and get smushed by the telescoptic cover. I figure I must be doing something wrong?? I took the bottom board off to change it for a screened one, well that probly took out 30 or so bees, they just run out the first instant I loosen it up wit the hive tool. Kinda a pain really, and I'm sure its a pain for the bees. Can't be good gettin smushed , and of course they make the others get a little more ornery. So whats a beek to do , is there a solution to this, other than don't open the hive up. LOL

[JP]

Smoking helps a lot and when you put the cover back ease it down gently, giving them time to move outta the way. I also like to gently move the cover a little side to side while lowering it. Take the extra time to gently bring it down so they can adjust. There will always be a few casualties.


...JP

[Michael Bush]

Set it on at an gently at angle first, then slowly and gently slide it around straight.

[Brian D. Bray]

Set it on at an gently at angle first, then slowly and gently slide it around straight.

Put a super back on the opposite way of taking it off.  Instead of giving it a twist like you would to break any burr or bridge comb put it on at a slight angle then slowly straighten it, smoking the corners when and where needed.

[derrick1p1]

I'm finding it more difficult this year to not smush them when assembling the hive.  This is probably in part due to the fact that a couple of my hives are much stronger this year and there are many bees "milling" about.  It is also more difficult for me when the supers are heavy.  I try to put the supers back on at an angle while wiggling it as much as I can so they get the message and move.  I then turn/slide it on straight to push those on the edge off.

Good luck not crushing the bees:)

Derrick