I worked my bees today. I have not intended to, but they have been a little neglected. I needed to get 3 nuc boxes with swarms put into regular hive bodies. They have all been in my bee yard for a week or more.
There were also two hives that needed looked into for feeding and checking for the queen. They were both from cutouts. They appeared to be in pretty good shape.
The problem is, I was trying to manipulate things in one hive, finish it up, and move to the next one. This was pretty stupid, because I didn't wait until things settled down, due to BEING IN A HURRY...... as usual. Therefore, I had a ton of angry bees filling the air. I will say, I did try to give em a little time, but not enough.
By the time I started on the third project back there, I had been stung around 7 separate times. I was suited up from head to toe. I would be working away, and somehow get nailed. I finally had enough, and quickly stacked things like they had been, and cleared out. I will have to finish tomorrow.
Another stupid thing I did, was not smoking them. I hate to smoke 'em unless I have to. Since I was tearing things up and putting back together, though, I shoulda known better. Even though I am a 1st season rookie, that was still dumb.
I hope that the two and a half hives I did go into are no worse for the wear. I will give myself a little more time tomorrow, and use some smoke. They were pretty fired up.... considering that I have changed feeders without my suit before. I know, I know... .that is stupid too. I just hope it wasn't too much stress for them.
ANYWAY, I am rambling....my question is, are there any recommendations for a sting proof suit? The one I wear is a hand-me-down that is a tad small. I have intended to buy one, that fits, and keep this one as a spare. Tonight motivates me.... :-D
Maybe none of them are "sting proof". If not, then I guess I will suck it up and quit whining.
On a positive note, though, I think the proverbial immunity is finally showing up. I have been stung about 35 times this season. In the beginning I would get the impressive local swelling, redness, and itchiness. It would last for over a week. The last few times I have had very little swelling and it was gone in two days. Gotta love that.
-Joker