Oh Bugger!

Spear · June 17, 2014, 05:05:12 PM

I feel like Mick Jagger! I got stung in the lower lip!
My own fault. Opened up the hive without suiting up and no smoke. Oh and I had had some lavender in my pants pocket so I smelled on top of it all.
I don't blame the girls for getting mad!
Took the 1st sting on the arm then had 2 at the same time trying to sting me on ether side of my face - grabbed them and threw them aside before they could sting. I cleared out at this point but had to go back to close up - still no suit (don't have one with me here at home as I keep my bee stuff at my moms place - really stupid I know) and didn't think to change my clothes (so I'm still 'stinking') - Got zapped on the neck and the lip. After backing off and trying again a few times more I got the inner cover on and had to clear out again. Only then do I get the idea to use an old tin can for a makeshift smoker and change my clothes. I light the 'smoker' and slide it under the hive (only smoking no flames) so that the smoke can go in the screened bottom for a few seconds, slowly take it out and put the lid back on the hive, Back off again and watch as the smoke is blown out the entrance by the girls fanning like crazy inside. Even with the help of the smoke I still got buzzed and followed out the garden by one of the girls.
Live and learn! LOL!

AliciaH · June 17, 2014, 05:24:51 PM

Ah, you got me hearing that Adam Levine song!

Sorry you got stung!

rookie2531 · June 17, 2014, 07:08:51 PM

Glad everything turned alright. I had a couple chase me off today and all I did was slide the bottom open. First time they seemed defensive towards me.

Spear · June 17, 2014, 07:26:30 PM

Good news is that swelling in my lip has gone down a whole lot already and the one on my arm just itches and the one on my neck is just sore.
Guess this makes up for Sunday where I went through 20 hive pulling honey, helping week hives by giving them brood from other hives etc. and not getting even 1 sting! (Hardly used the smoker at all then!)

GSF · June 17, 2014, 08:58:16 PM

I got stung a little while back on the mustache upper line. My bottom lip swoll up so bad it bounced when I walked - for real!

jayj200 · June 18, 2014, 12:35:44 PM

GS
guess that will teach you to walk. (not) just hate when it bounces.

Better.to.Bee.than.not · June 19, 2014, 02:14:03 AM

Aww...not many beeks actually kiss their bees, thats adorable.... Guess 'she' must not of wanted the advance and slapped you for it. ha ha.

yantabulla · June 19, 2014, 07:26:09 AM

Smoke

tjc1 · June 21, 2014, 06:38:38 PM

Quote from: yantabulla on June 19, 2014, 07:26:09 AM
Smoke

Yep - don't know why folks are so averse to smoke - or would think of opening up without it - but maybe we all have to learn that lesson! I sure did, and once was enough!

RHBee · June 21, 2014, 09:30:10 PM

Quote from: tjc1 on June 21, 2014, 06:38:38 PM
Quote from: yantabulla on June 19, 2014, 07:26:09 AM
Smoke

Yep - don't know why folks are so averse to smoke - or would think of opening up without it - but maybe we all have to learn that lesson! I sure did, and once was enough!

It's not that I feel smoke doesn't calm the bees. During an inspection I use smoke quite liberally. When I change a feeder bucket I simply put on my jacket and gloves lighting up the smoker is just not worth the effort.
Ray