Handling the Colony
- Have a plan before you start.
- Make sure you have all you need with you.
- Make sure your tools and clothes are clean to avoid cross-contamination
- Light the smoker before you put your suit on.
- Avoid eating spicy foods before opening the hive.
- Avoid wearing strong deodorants, perfume or aftershave.
- Do not open the hive if:
- the temperature is below 15C
- it is raining
- it is windy
- there is any suggestion of thunder - bees hate it.
- Approach from the side or back - the guard bees won't see you.
- Do not stand in the flight path when working on the hive.
- Your aim is to inspect the hive and the bees do not even notice.
- Work steadily
- Do not bang the hive when shaking bees off a frame
- Use the smoke sparingly but effectively
- Avoid having shadows pass over the open hive.
- If you suspect a Virgin Queen is present avoid opening the hive during the day
- If you are stung:
- Scrape the sting out
- Smoke the area where you were stung to mask any alarm pheromone.
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