I need to check on my hives tomorrow or Tuesday. Both hives seemed to be doing very well. The last time I checked on them was when I added a brood box to the youngest hive and a 2nd super to the original hive. I really made the younger hive mad. I wasn't geared up and didn't have my hive tool or smoker and I guess I was thinking my bees must love me and wouldn't mind me trying to smoosh some beetles that were running around under the cover.
I need to check on my hives tomorrow or Tuesday. Both hives seemed to be doing very well. The last time I checked on them was when I added a brood box to the youngest hive and a 2nd super to the original hive. I really made the younger hive mad. I wasn't geared up and didn't have my hive tool or smoker and I guess I was thinking my bees must love me and wouldn't mind me trying to smoosh some beetles that were running around under the cover.
I think I smacked at the beetles a little too hard and then followed that up with a jolt when I tried to pry the top cover off (without the use of the hive tool)
Anyway the y were SOooo glad to see me that they came swarming out
I got stung on the nose and on the wrist and I am VERY LUCKY I didn't get stung a few more places.
I went inside after shaking off the bees on my shirt and put on my full bee suit and gloves and veil and went back out to finish putting the brood box on top and re-closing the hive. (First time I had used more than just the veil). Then I had to look around the yard to see where I had flung my ball cap to and go retrieve it.
I did go back in a few days later ( again fully suited up) and placed some frames inside the brood box.
They were much calmer then. I still need to add wax to more frames and get the rest of them out there.
I also need to see how the small hive beetle situation is doing. I saw more of them in both hives than I am comfortable with. I tried putting the Swiffer dry cloths in the hives but that appears to have just given the beetles another place to hide.
A couple of days ago I ordered 2 shb traps and 2 clear hive covers. Hopefully they will be here sometime this week! My mentor said to try the clear covers because the beetles like it dark and this will let more light in. In the meantime I have to remember NOT to smash the beetles TOO enthusiastically! ( the bees don't like it).
... and it made me feel like a kid again, lol
... the chin was a few days later in the evening when I was sans all beek gear
