Well, I was stung again this past weekend...twice. I tried (in vain) to get into the bottom deep hive where all the brood created and maintained. As soon as I moved off the box (another deep hive that is full of their honey) they went crazy!
I had bees flying all around me thinking I might be taking something from them. But I only wanted to look at the frames down there to see if 1) the queen is still alive and well and if she is 2) to see the eggs and 3) to see if the bees that are growing are worker bees, or drones. But the frames were pretty well stuck together. After trying several time to get the first frame removed so I could have room to look at a few more, I gave up. I had been stung twice and it was only a matter of time before they found a few other vulnerable parts on my body.
I guess I really need to invest the $139 to buy a full bee suit which the bees can't sting through. I try to have two top layers (on a hot day, it gets really, hot in two layers) but they can still sting through that. I had on thick wool socks and they found their way through the sock right at my ankle.
Other than the itching, it wasn't so bad. I hardly swelled up at all this time. But each of the areas itched a lot. The first 4 stings I got a few weeks ago stayed with me for all this time...only today I can't find them on my legs. For the past 3 weeks or so, I could see a thumbprint size of red (two of them actually) on my leg.
I had read, and also was told my my instructors from Swanzey, NH, Imagine that Honey, that the body will build up an immunity to the strings. I didn't think it would happen this quickly but was glad they didn't last like the first ones did.
The bottom line is that they need to be left alone right now. I have heard (and felt) their message. We all feel that way at times. And this is their time. They are very busy making honey and they know what they are doing. They do not need me looking over their shoulder!
I will continue to add sugar syrup every 3-4 days to keep them going during the hottest part of the summer when the burst of spring pollen as a source of food has passed. They need that help. I will keep their water filled and fresh.
Then I need to monitor the top super to see when they have filled 7 frames with honey. Then I'll want to add on one more super.
Overall, the bees seem to be thriving. There are a LOT of bees now, and all seems to be normal. The super that is there now was close to half filled, I think, so perhaps next week, I can add one more box. I will need to monitor when to add that last super. And by the time they fill the second and last super, it will most likely be fall. However, I wonder if I should have one extra on hand...but that's probably way too optimistic :).
My next entry will focus on purchasing extracting equipment. Another investment made this week. If things continue...that process is not too far away.
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