Safety Tips For Beekeeping

Beekeeping is not an easy task, especially when it involves annoyed bees. One of the most intimidating ideas for those into beekeeping business is the risk of getting stung. When you work as a beekeeper, you work in close proximity to bees on a regular basis. However, along with your own protection, you also have to think about other people living around your hives. Although bees are not exactly aggressive, they would sting you to defend themselves.

Irrespective of whether beekeeping is your livelihood or a hobby, sometimes you would be stung. Nobody likes to get stung by bees, and luckily, there are some ways to avoid it. Given below are a few safety tips for beekeepers while working with bees:

1. Always Wear Your Safety Gear

When you are working on beehives, always outfit yourself with a full bee suit including a covering, boots, and gloves. It would be better if you ask your associate to check your gear to make sure that everything is zipped properly.  Ensure there are no openings in your suit from where bees can sting you. Also, wash your clothes and bee suits regularly to remove the odors that might make bees violent. Furthermore, remove all the jewelry and accessories before putting on your suit.

2. Be Alert And Cautious

When dealing with bees, try to stay calm, alert, and cautious. Do not make hasty, but slow and careful movements. You can move towards beehives either from the side or back. Try to stay away from the path facing the main entrance of the hive. Usually work on sunny days, as the hives would be less crowded. It means bees would be less irritable. Try not to approach hives in rainy, humid or stormy days.

3. Try Using A Smoker

When you move near hives, hold a lit smoker and spread a few wafts of smoke towards the bees. It might help in calming them and reduce the possibility of provoking them. Smokers can be very useful in keeping the bees compliant. It controls the pheromone that activates the bees’ defensive reaction to the unknown.

4. Keep the Surroundings Neat

Some of you might find it surprising. By maintaining clean surroundings, you might be able to keep both you and your bees out of harm’s way. Do not keep any honey-scented stuff such as empty hive cases, or pieces of honeycomb around the hives. The sweet-smelling stuff might attract other animals and they might harm your bees. Those animals might be carrying any kind of disease. So keep things clean to ensure the safety of your bees. 

4. Understand the Behavior of Your Hive

Perhaps, one of the best ways to handle your bees is to understand their behavior. With some patience and understanding, you will be able to grasp the behavior and disposition of your hive. The mood of your hive might vary depending on the day. If they seem aggravated, try to work with them some other day.

It is not that difficult to take essential precautions to evade bee stings or treat them. Just make sure you are fully prepared before you approach your hives and little bees with painful stings.