Steven A. Creasy wrote:
 
> I have 4 hives, and have been trying to work them recently without the
> aid of a smoker. . . .ONE hive, however, when opened,> IMMEDIATELY reacts
> by sending 20-30 bees out and stinging like crazy!
 
There is a lot of talk, and writing about how much it slows down bees to
open the hive, and smoke is the greatest culprit in all this.  However,
I never go into a hive without smoke.  I do not use a veil, of gloves,
or overalls, but ALWAYS smoke.  I have harvested up to 295 pounds of
honey from one hive in our short Alaskan summer, and I make weekly
inspections of my hives.  If smoke and inspection hinder colony
development or honey production, it can not be by much.
 
>  Will requeening this fall solve the problem?
 
If all else fails, it can not hurt to requeen, but try smoke.  If that
fails, I would requeen soonest. I am only in it for the fun.  When it
stops being a pleasure to work my bees and learn new methods, I will
take up another hobby.  If you are only in it for honey, you may see
things differently.  It sounds as though you are a hobbiest, so enjoy
your bees.
 
- -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
"Test everything.  Hold on to the good."  (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
 
Tom Elliott
Eagle River, Alaska
U.S.A.
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