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Subject: Orange County, NC Beekeepers

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  • From: Janet Weinberg <janetweinberg AT yahoo.com>
  • To: Brad Kosiba <bradkosiba AT gmail.com>, "ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org" <ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [ocba] Defensive hive
  • Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2015 16:53:58 +0000 (UTC)

I don't use smoke because I couldn't keep it going so long ago I bought a Manipulation cloth that works wonderfully and haven't used smoke since.  If I open the hive and have annoyed them I cover the hive with it before many can get airborne and I only have 2 frames exposed.  I wait a few seconds and examine those and move the cloth to the next 2. Because the cloth has mental frames outlining the space for the 2 frames and each end that hang down over the sides of the hive I have never had a squashed bee.  When I take it off the bees are working and do not come after me even if I remove it after the first two frames are examined.
I find they don't feel vulnerable and don't mind what I do. 

Baily Bee's might carry them but I found them on page 52 of Brushy Mt. catalog.

I have Golden Rod blooming here in Efland.
 
I learn so much from all of you.  Thanks!

Janet Weinberg
 

From: Brad Kosiba <bradkosiba AT gmail.com>
To: "ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org" <ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2015 11:53 AM
Subject: Re: [ocba] Defensive hive

John,

I will second the "smokeless pop" as a sure starting gun for a strong intruder repulsion attack.  In our first year, we once got talking and forgot to smoke a hive and absent mindedly "popped" the outer cover very loudly.  It was like the first shot in a war we quickly lost.  Multiple ankle stings later (we were covered everywhere else) and despite serious smoke, we covered it back up and beat a hasty retreat.  

Later in the day we entered the same hive with some gentle burnt offering at their front door, a minute or two wait and a gentle, quiet top removal and we were welcomed much more civilly.  

Cheers,

Brad

On Mon, Aug 3, 2015 at 3:47 PM, Marty Hanks <marty AT justbeenc.com> wrote:


I'd second Walters notes and add YES honeybees do start to recognize their keepers. 

Their response though is based on your actions and methods. 

One very important note for all is to remember to some the bees then step back and wait. It's not instant and never in a dearth. I also place one hand on top of where I'm lifting the lid...to prevent that alarm "pop" a nicely propolis hive has. That sudden pop and going in to early before allowing smoke to work makes for all the difference!! 

Good luck
M

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 3, 2015, at 3:34 PM, Walter Starks <walterstarks AT icloud.com> wrote:

I'm assuming if you've been gone for 5 weeks your probably not feeding. Hungry bees tend to be ill tempered. I know I am when I'm hungry. :)

Feeding may help. 1:1 sugar water is what I'm feeding. About 2 gallons a week per hive on the strong ones. Some folks prefer honey. That decision would be up to you.

If the aggressive behavior continues you might want to requeen.

The dearth should be over when you see Goldenrod blooming in your area. I'm already seeing it at my house, but it's very early for it so I'm not sure how wide spread it might be.

______

Walter




Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 3, 2015, at 1:42 PM, John Cotterman via ocba <ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org> wrote:

I was away for 5 weeks and decided to to a look-see inspection this morning. I had to abandon my inspection after only 10 minutes. I was only able to get the inner cover off and look into a few frames. This is my second year keeping a couple of hives and I have never encountered as much defensive behavior (or as many stings). They were getting me through thick jeans and leather gloves. Smoke did not disuade down the guard bees. I walked away and many followed me aggressively for 100 feet.

I started the inspection at 10am, maybe too early for the foragers to leave home, but in this heat I'm not wanting to wait until the sun is up high and the temps in the 80s. I could see into the top box and there was both honey and brood activity and no immediately visible mites as well as growing space on some of the frames so I'm confident that they are busy and healthy. I can leave them alone for a week or two and come back.

I've heard mention on this list the current dearth-caused defensive behavior. When would you estimate (or tell) when the dearth ends? 

I also wonder whether my absence for 5 weeks had anything to do with this. Do bees get used to humans who visit regularly and not get alarmed as readily? This doesn't make a lot of intuitive sense to me, just wondering.

  -- John Cotterman
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--
Bradley E Kosiba, PhD
Biochemist-Beekeeper-Gardener-Scouter
 

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