First stings of the season.

[fermentedhiker]

I guess it's about time I got it over with.  As usual mostly my own doing.  You know how it is, not the best weather for an inspection, not enough time to go take a shower to clean foreign odors off etc.... 

I had been working on my truck all day and so had brake fluid and gear oil on my skin.  I scrubbed very thoroughly with soap but could still smell it on me, and if I can smell it then the girls certainly could.  They didn't seem too bothered by it, at first anyways.  This hive is from a "Russian" package I got last year, which did very well in spite of the horrible spring we had, but they have been noticeably testier this year.  Smoke certainly helps but doesn't seem to quiet them down much.  Not a big deal really I guess.  It's just that the Caucasians I have in another hive spoil me by almost ignoring me entirely.

The "Russians" are in a deep and 2 mediums.  I was digging down into the bottom box to steal four frames to make up a Nuc(I'm getting a queen cell from a fellow beekeeper who has a beautiful hive from a swarm I helped him get two years ago).  I inserted a medium frame with a queen cell from the Caucasian hive to give him in trade.  As I was moving the frames from the hive to the Nuc one of the guard bees tagged me on the wrist.  I guess I had forgotten the sensation over the winter and instinctive struck out at the pain.  I'll have you know smacking your own wrist with a hive tool hurts more than a bee sting :). 

So my question for you guys is, what if anything do you find that works better than smoke at masking the alarm pheromone from a sting site.  I ask because in spite of heavily smoking my hand to cover the scent the guard bees would continually follow that hand around as I was working.  In fact the "Russian" guard bees would come over and harass my wrist while I was inspecting the "Caucasians" which was after I had closed them up.  I ended up getting stung twice more in almost the same spot.  So does anyone know of anything topical that can break down or cover over the marker from a sting that doesn't either aggravate the bees more and make them fascinated with it?

Adam

[jajtiii]

I've never heard of anything to mask the bee alarm, other then smoke.

[Scadsobees]

I keep a banana handy and if that happens rub that on the spot that was stung.

:-D

Just kidding!!  Yeah, smoke.  Maybe rub it off good after smoking on your pant leg.  Or just wear gloves when you think that they may be a little more unhappy.

Rick

[greenbtree]

Gloves.  I don't wear beekeepers gloves, they are too bulky especially for me as I am female with smaller hands.  When I put on beek gloves I feel like the Frankenstein monster.  I use rose pruning gloves instead.  I suspect a determined bee could sting through the hand part, haven't had it happen yet though.  They have great long cuffs that are thicker than the rest of the glove and protect the wrist and forearm.  I love them.  I am going to get another pair and cut off just the tips of the fingers for the most delicate work.

JC

[Sparky]

This is a good alternative to the bulky gloves for the testy girls.  ;)
http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-100-large-nitrile-gloves-37051.html

[fermentedhiker]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I've been hoping to avoid gloves because they limit your sensitivity so much.  As and example several times I've put my hand/fingers over a bee when manipulation things and have been able to stop short of squishing her(and not get stung either) because of noticing quickly enough to let her squirm free.  I suppose it may come to that though as I increase my hives.  At some point you are going to get stung and will have to deal with the fact that you are carrying the alarm pheromone  around with you until you can wash you and your clothes.  I guess armoring up may be the best option :(