I went out yesterday to feed my bees and do a normal hive inspection. Normally, I open each super (or box) of the hive, pull out each frame, and check them for things like mites, beetles, chalk brood and other nasty things. So far (knock on wood) the only problem that I've had to deal with is a few hive beetles here and there - and never more that 4 or 5 in each hive - which a really good, low number.
I opened Maybelle's hive first. Things were looking great there. Her girls had done an impressive job drawing out all the comb in the third super - lots of capped honey - and even more nectar being dried before capping. I was feeling pretty darned good about things because everything in that top box is mine, mine, I tell you!
Then I went into the lower two boxes - I knew I should have closed up shop once the wind picked up, because we all know that bees don't like the wind blowing into their open hive. But I had to disassemble the hive right down to the bottom board to see if my organic, olive oil beetle traps were doing their work. So, technically, yes it was my fault, but I just overstayed my welcome and Maybelle's girls are not always known for their manners. Before I knew it, 20 of Maybelle's minions were attacking my glove like ham on rye ... or bees on honey. I was lucky to walk away with only three stings.
Oh well, you can't be a beek without expecting to get stung. My hand looks horrific today.
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