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Apiary Safety

"Help I have been stung! Think I am having a reaction."

"Where are you? "

"I am at my apiary just outside Casterbridge on the A35. Under the Greenwood tree on the ... "

How to avoid this problem Before you go to the hive.

• On a laminated sheet inside the roof of the hive:
• Your name,
• The full address of the apiary,
• Postcode of the apiary,
• What 3 words address of the apiary,
• OS grid coordinates of the apiary.
• Prepare a suitable first aid kit.

On each trip

• Ask yourself whether this inspection is necessary.
• The less you interfere with the bees the less chance you will be stung.
• Is the weather suitable?
• Bees get upset in thundery weather.
• On a warm day more bees will be away from the hive foraging.
• Do you have a plan as to what you hope to achieve.
• A plan means you can be into the hives and out again more quickly.
• The less time you are in the hive the less chance of annoying the bees.
• Do you have all the equipment you need.
• Being prepared means you can be into the hives and out again more quickly.
• The less time you are in the hive the less chance of annoying the bees.
• Take of any rings - difficult to remove if you are stung on the hand.
• Do not eat bananas - bees are alarmed by the smell.
• Always let someone know where you are going before you go.
• On a smart phone set up your phone to ring a loved one even of it is locked.

If you drove to the apiary.

• Put the car keys on the car roof.
• Put your phone on the car roof.
• Put on your suit and boots.
• Put the car keys and phone in your bee suit pocket.
• Now your keys and phone can be quickly reached in an emergency.
• You do not have to undo your suit to get to your phone.

If you walked to the apiary.

• Make certain your phone is in your bee suit pocket.

Before you approach the hives.

• Light the smoker - veils are flammable.
• Put on your bee suit and boots.
• Middle of winter. Bees are quiet - until you go to the hive!
• Always wear your suit.
• Always make certain your suit is tucked into your boots.
• Bees will climb up your clothes.
• If a bee can climb up under your suit it will.
• Once it is there either you or it will panic and you will be stung.
• If you get a bee inside your veil - squash it.

At the hive.

• A puff of smoke at the entrance.
• Move smoothly and quietly.
• My aim is to get in and out before most of the bees realise.
• Try not to pass you hands over the open hive.
• Use light coloured gloves if you are using gloves.
• It is thought bees see this as an airborne threat.
• Bees hate high pitched vibration.
• Do not open a hive if someone is strimming.
• Keep the area tidy - you may have to move fast.
• A super is heavy and a brood box even heavier.
• A super full of honey can weigh 20kg.
• Take someone with you for any heavy lifting.
• Lift with a straight back.
• Learn good lifting techniques.
• If you suspect you may be allergic to bee stings:
• Perhaps you should seriously consider whether you should keep bees.
• Take a "Non-drowsy" anti-histamine before you go to the hives.

And finally.

• Bee keeping is a very safe hobby.
• It is safe because we are careful.
• Take precautions and enjoy a fun hobbby.

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