Went to pick up a swarm yesterday evening. It was hanging on a gentleman's garage door. The door was open. Literally simple enough to just bring the box up to them and put on the lid. (I'm using computer paper boxes for swarms)
The homeowner was extremely curious so I handed him my jacket and veil, figuring that this would be a great public awareness event.
Got on the ladder, boxed the swarm, handed gentleman the box to start climbing down the ladder...
Unfortunately.. I neglected to tell him that the box would have a little weight to it. He didnt' figure in a few pounds of bees.. Dropped the box, the lid popped off and I have bees stinging me incessently.
got off the ladder, waited half an hour for bees to calm down and managed to get them boxed the second time..
But the poor guy, I think I almost gave him a heart attack. So I had to pretend it wasnt' anything major for at least 45 minutes until I pulled away and could start picking out stingers.
He didn't get stung. I lost count when I hit 80. I'm a little puffy today. Wishing I had a camera to show it off.
Everyone at work keeps saying, "Are you sure you enjoy doing this?"
Ok so maybe I've lost my mind, but I'm ready for the next swarm call. I put another visor in the trunk, and stuck a leather jacket in there too. Lesson learned, I'll be more prepared next time, and explain that a box full of bees weighs a few pounds.