Related to my previous post about tearing down messed-up brood, this hive is now getting definitely ticked. I've been going in about every 7-10 days (only 3 times total now) and they are getting worse each time. Once they came out and attacked when I just opened up the back end of the hive to add more syrup. Unfortunately, my covers have warped in the damp and I bumped the hive trying to get the cover back into place. Within seconds, I had bees in my shirt, stuck in my hair, stinging me once on my face. I wasn't dressed for it since I was only going to refill syrup and had not had problems before then.
So, is there any way to calm a hive back down? Is this simply the nature of this hive and it's becoming more pronounced as they have brood and honey to protect? At what point do folks decide a hive is too hot and requeen? Or what are my other options?
I don't mind stings too badly, but I got 3 to the hands last night and don't exactly look forward to opening this hive. I'm mainly in this for pollination and boosting bee populations, I'd really like some honey and I am committed to this, but it'd be great if this hive were a bit more enjoyable! :roll: