What Bees Want by Susan Knilans

Author:Susan Knilans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Countryman Press
Published: 2022-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

STINGS HAPPEN

We pick up a piece of comb and surprise a bee resting underneath it. We walk barefoot in the clover field and step on a bee. We get too close to the hive entrance and a bee takes exception to the presumed intrusion. We are collecting a swarm (swarming bees rarely sting) and inadvertently squeeze a bee. Inevitably, both the bee and the bee tenders are surprised!

We get a few stings a year, but it seems fewer each year. That is probably because we’ve learned to pay more attention to each bee around us, trying our best to bring them peace rather than discord.

We choose to work with no bee gear as often as possible. We don’t like the feeling we bring into the bee garden when we armor ourselves against them. When you are suited up, you can bungle a lot, and the bees cannot clearly tell you, “Stop, not now!” In my bee garb of tank top, shorts and bare feet, I bring myself to the bees vulnerable, trusting, and very focused on their language.

I honor their venom and the fact that they can cause me harm if they choose. It keeps me humble, meek, and utterly present. In this way, I tell them in my own language, “I’m here not to force my dominion on you, but to work side by side with you. I come to you with no protection.”

However, we do recommend that beginner beekeepers don some kind of bee gear to protect their less experienced hands. A hat and bee veil, bee jacket or suit, and gloves, as un-clumsy as you can find. While we usually work around bees without protection, there are even times we don the hat and veil. Comfort comes with time and experience. Always be gentle, and don’t hurt a bee when you are around them.

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