Comment on Bees don't have lungs.
kattfisk@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 weeks agoThis sounds strange. You really don’t want to make them abandon the hive. You want to disrupt the hive as little as possible.
Comment on Bees don't have lungs.
kattfisk@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 weeks agoThis sounds strange. You really don’t want to make them abandon the hive. You want to disrupt the hive as little as possible.
Leeks@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
My main goal is to not get stung! Also you only go into the hives every few weeks so it’s not a major disruption.
kattfisk@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 weeks ago
Never found even harvesting to require more than the occasional puff of smoke. But we had Buckfast, and made sure to replace the queen of any aggressive colony. Maybe you have more aggressive breeds.
Leeks@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Yeah the Russians are a little meaner, but do better with the mites and winter. The Italians are much easier to work, but require a lot more “hand holding”. Either way I normally knock with some smoke at the entrance/through the screened bottom for 2-3 puffs, then when I crack the top or move off a super, add a puff at the location. If I’m working slow and see them start staring me down, they get a little more.
I work bare handed because gloves loose too much dexterity, but that also gives them a giant target.