Ouch.

[beetiger]

I was trying to be all Zen about the hive inspection. But when I took the sugar syrup feeder off the top of the hive, I apparently didn't notice the two center frames stuck to it until they fell to the ground. Hard. And apparently I didn't do nearly as good a job securing my bee jacket as last time, either.

Now I have about two dozen stings on my stomach and neck, and am again left hoping I didn't smash the queen on the ground, and I probably smushed a bunch more bees when I threw the lid on and ran away. I did get a chance to see that they hadn't touched the outermost frames yet, so they don't need the next deep super right now. So that's something.

So I'm taking Benadyl and ibuprofen, feeling sore and itchy and very very disappointed with how this went. As long as they look like they are foraging normally from the outside of the hive, I'll leave them alone for a week or two, and hope for the best.

Sigh.

Comments

[e-phemera.livejournal.com]

adventures in beekeeping, huh? take care!

[kibbles.livejournal.com]

Owtch! You're a brave soul.

[cvirtue.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear.

I don't blame you at all -- I ran away from the hive when I was putting the nuc in last year. It was frightening!

It's always a good idea to assume the bees have adhered everything to everything else with propolis or burr comb. Then you'll be ready for it. You have a knife or bare hacksaw blade to saw through burr comb, yes?

If you were to kill the queen, as long as there are open larvae, they can make a new one. But do note that too much going into the hive may make them decide to abscond.

I'm sure you will do fine and be calm just like you want to be, next time, because you'll make sure the zippers are all closed and so on. Don't fret too much.

[beetiger.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the support.

And yes, I don't plan to go back in there for a while after this, for their sake and mine. Hoping for the best.

[rowyn]

Eek! That's a lot of stings. I'm glad you've got some fellow beekeepers to commiserate with.

*hugs carefully to avoid stings*

[autumnquest.livejournal.com]

OWWWWIE hon. That is scary and painful. Feel better, but this is all still new, just be sure you're not hard on yourself hon.

[heavenscalyx.livejournal.com]

Augh! Much sympathy.

[beowabbit]

Ooh, sorry about that! *Hugs.* I’m sure you and your hive will be fine.

[awfulhorrid.livejournal.com]

It's been almost 25 years since I've been stung by a bee or a wasp, but I had a similar number of stings the last time I was stung. You have my sympathy! I'm sure things will start going better with this as you gain experience with it.

[akycha.livejournal.com]

That sounds scary! But I am sure that things will be fine. They're tough.

[mmsword.livejournal.com]

Not a good month for the apiarists I know (http://rialian.livejournal.com/1228575.html).

[tuftears.livejournal.com]

Ouch, hope you feel better soon!

[postrodent.livejournal.com]

I think you're seriously brave for doing this. And best of luck to you and your bees.

[koogrr.livejournal.com]

Yow! Sympathies.

You are being conscientious, there is a learning curve, accidents will happen. I hope you recover quickly.

[ladyperegrine.livejournal.com]

Feel better soon. Sending good thoughts to both you and the bees.

[winterbeast.livejournal.com]

is this why you're the BEEtiger?

[beetiger.livejournal.com]

Right now I am the bee-pwned tiger.