>
>     In the past week I have seen several references to a survey done that
>     stated that the average beekeeper gets stung 500 times a year.  Anyone
>     want to verify this or laugh at it?  I forget what the study was, but
>     I do remember the little fact popping up on the headline news.  I saw
>     it somewhere else as well but can't remember where right now.  Not
>     that this is going to discourage me from getting into beekeeping (I'll
>     just look for a kinder and gentler colony :) ).
>
>     Kevin
>
>     [log in to unmask]
>
 
 
Kevin,
 
Welcome to Beekeeping!  It is a hobby that rellly gets under your skin.
Sorry about the pun.
Seriously though, don't sweat the stings. I know hobbiest beekeepers who go
an entire year without a sting, its not the norm but can be done with proper
protective geer.
 Many experienced beekeepers don't wear gloves.  The gloves are hot and cut
down on dexterity in the hive, so many won't  use them.
 To answer your question, I figure I get about 1 sting for every two colonies I
open in the Spring and early Summer and about 1 per colony after the honey
flow.
 
What you need to do is to cantact a local beekeeping organization and sign
up for their short course next spring and read as much as you can about hive
management and bee behavior.  If you can begin to understand the behavior of
these critters, you can prevent stinging incidents before they occur.   Also
get yourself catalogs from the major suppliers and buy the protective
equipment that will make you comfortable around the bees.  Eventually, if
you are like most beekeepers, you will start taking off some of the
equipment once you are more at ease around the bees.
 
Enjoy
 
Gordy
 
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Gordon Allen-Wardell
Extension Apiculturist
Univeristy of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-5575
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