Ouch! Most people ask if I get stung. The answer is sure. I do. But I don't get stung every time I go into the hive. I liken this to playing a sport. There are many adults that love, softball, volleyball, basketball or even flag football. At some point during the practice or game, you twist your ankle, you catch a ball that stings your hand, or you run into someone. It hurts for a second, but then you keep playing.
Beekeeping is like that. You are going to look into a house of bees and see nature at work. You are watching the mysteries of an insect that as it grows changes jobs, when the needs of the colony changes. The queen bee's job is to put out a pheremone (this is a smell) to all the other bees and to lay eggs. The pheremone tells all the other bees everything is all right. That's it. She does not tell other bees what to do. The bees collectively make decisions as to what will benefit the whole colony. So, if the need is more foragers, some extra bees will start flying and looking for nectar and pollen. If the need is to have more nurse bees, because it is spring time and there are more babies to attend too, then the bees will change their job to this need. It is fascinating.
So, when I am watching the hive and the bees go about their business and I am trying to help them, correct things that may be wrong, feed them or even expand their house I am in awe as to how they know what they need without anyone telling them what to do. I do get stung, on occasion. I get stung about every 3rd time I am in a hive. I get stung when I am in a hurry and not careful. But, I keep playing.
Find out what's happening in South Cobbfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To me getting stung, is like making the catch at third base and tagging the guy out who is sliding in. Your hand is on fire and hurts from being kicked but the guy is out and you are really excited that you hung onto the ball. Play your sport. I used to play when I was younger. However, I challenge you to play my sport!
