Beekeeping has its own downside. One of these bee stings. It gets even worse if you are allergic to bee stings since it can turn out to be tragic. Surprisingly, honey bees will only sting when provoked or feel threatened, as a defence mechanism. This is their last resort. Do you know immediately a bee stings you, it dies instantly? Most beekeepers have mastered the art of avoiding bee stings. Shockingly, some work even without gloves or face veil. 

They ensure they work carefully without swating or crushing the bees. If they get stung, they just scrap the stinger, smoke the area to hide the scent (pheromones) and continue as if nothing has happened. They have also gained the confidence to work with bees. New beekeepers avoid stings at all costs, you will find them covered from head to toe. Do you know bees can smell fear? 

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How do beekeepers not get stung?

Bee keepers employ various strategies to minimise the risk of bee stings. 

Wearing Protective Gear

Protective clothing goes a long way to preventing bee stings. While some will just wear a veil to protect their face, others prefer to cover every part of the body. It all depends on bee’s temperament, beekeeper comfort level and confidence. Some bee stocks are more aggressive than others. 

Using a Bee Smoker

Smoke helps to mask the bee’s pheromones and calm them. The presence of smoke makes the bees perceive danger responding to eating honey as they prepare to abscond the hive. When they are full, they are quite harmless and defenceless hence mimimise stings on a beekeeper.

Carry Inspections When the Weather is Warm

On clear sunny days, most of the foragers are out of the hive foraging. This is an ideal time to open the hive since you will deal with less population. In cold, windy, or rainy weather, the bees do not leave the hive. Such weather also makes them a bit aggressive. You should also choose the timing well. The best time is in the middle of the day.

Working Gently

Being gentle on the hive while performing inspections allows the bees to remain calm. If they are on surfaces that you don’t want them to be, use a bee brush to remove them gently. Injuring or crushing them with frames causes them to release an alarm signal. They may deal with your innumbers. Again, avoid waving hands frantically. 

Avoiding Walking or Working on the Front

Beekeepers never stand directly in front of a beehive to avoid blocking the bees that are flying out or coming in. bees will fight back if you stand in their way.

Avoid Swating the Bees

While working in the hive, bees will sometimes land on your clothes or hands. The worst thing you can do is to swat the bees. Allow the bees to explore; it will fly away after realising you are not a flower and have nothing to offer. Bee stings will result when one gets frightened and swat a bee. Quick motions also make the bees defensive.

Avoid Floral Scents or Fragrant

Bees will be attracted to scents that smell like nectar. Once you get near them, they will be all over you thinking it a source of food. It is also good to avoid scents like garlic that repel them. 

More articles you may like to read –
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Wear White Bee Suits

Wearing black, brown, or grey suits will make the bees defend their territory aggressively. Such colours resemble their predators. Bright-colored clothes (yellow, blue, purple, or pink ) will make the bees think you are a large flower and will come to seep nectar from you.