Bee keeping advice?

[Oldegarlicshnapp]

I’ve had this hive for three years without having worked on it once. My aunt had been volunteering to harvest it twice during the past couple of years. I’d really like to take a crack at it, but I’m pretty scared about it. The trouble is that it’s in such a tight space.

I know the routine of smoking and using a suit (I’ll have to order one). It’s just so tight of a space that anyone who goes in has a hard time maneuvering the panels without crushing a large amount.

They’re local bees, not import

 

[sourland]

Where are you located? If possible I would have an experienced beekeeper assess the hive if there is any possibility that they have become Africanized.

 

[Oldegarlicshnapp]

Where are you located? If possible I would have an experienced beekeeper assess the hive if there is any possibility that they have become Africanized.

I’m in Miami, Florida. I’ve been stung by them before although it was only for spraying a chemical nearby. They don’t attack unprovoked and collect pollen nearby people.
I was thinking that putting ads on Craigslist may be my best bet?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I'm amazed you've been able to set it, forget it and they are still alive. You must have seen swarms come out of it the past two years.

Do you have supers for it? Florida is in swarm season now. If you want to contain it and get a honey crop you'll need at least two medium boxes on top. Beesource is your go to forum for questions and searching basic beekeeping tips https://www.beesource.com/forums/

Full shirt, pants, veil and smoker. Craigslist should have used smokers and veils. Might find a well vented suit. Otherwise I'd just get yourself familiar with working them so you are comfortable with just the veil, T-shirt, shorts and sandals.

There is also a semi active forum here on BYC- https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-honey-factory.1358454/page-243