I've enjoyed the glove discussion!  One thing to keep in mind while we
converse
on the BEE-L is that many of the participants are not from the USA.  This
contributes to the diversity of experiences reported on the list.  I am
not at all surprised to hear Andreas report how nasty bees have always been,
while others don't even wear protective gear. I noticed that Andreas's e-mail
 
address ended in .CY - I'm not up on my internet addressing, but I KNOW that
is not in the US!!  Maybe Andreas has grown up dealing with African Honey Bees,
 
and considers their temperament to be normal, whereas others are used to
a "kinder, gentler" type of bee.
 
So, I guess this is a long-winded way to remind folks that it is helpful
to include something in your e-mail that indicates where you are from.
 
Thanks!
 
Rick Hough, a beekeeper from NE of Boston, MA, USA.
[log in to unmask]
 
PS -  I have not gotten any contributions for a BEE-L Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) list. I've been reviewing the archives
to see what has actually been being discussed (most frequent item:
how do I subscribe/unsubscribe from the list!!!).  So, if there is
something that you feel striongly should be on the FAQ list,
e-mail your suggestion to me. Please include both the question AND
THE ANSWER, so I can cut & paste your suggestions into the master
FAQ.  My initial post of the FAQ probably will not occur until early
March, due to time constraints.
 
----------------
John Klueh <[log in to unmask]> recently wrote:
 
>>I am not sure what kind of bees you have there but in my neck of the
>>woods if you get close to hives in the heat of the summer ... well you are
>>asking for trouble. Of course you can get close if you get used to the idea
 
>>and *behave* properly. But still there is a chance that you will be attacked.
 
>>Now operating inside the hive is another story though. I would never
>>dream of doing that unless I am fully clothed. And that is how it has worked
 
>>out for others around here.
>>
>>Removing supers,frames and honey that is the job of warriors in full
>>battle gear. And if you accidentally kill a couple, then you are really
asking
>>for
>>en masse (sp?) attack.  For some reason the buzzing noise made by bees
>>being killed or the smell of those squashed trigger the red alarm.
>>
>>NOTE: I have been around bees for as long as I  can remember and these
>>are my experiences NOT my FEARS!! I get stung many times in a year but I
>>am not asking for trouble.
>>
>>Any suggestions in improving this condition will be appreciated.
>>
>>Andreas
>
>Gee, my experiences are quite different! A clear, hot, calm sunny day in the
 
>middle of summer, particularly if there is a decent honeyflow occuring -
those
>are the conditions I found ideal to take honey off and do other hive
>manipulations. Most of the foragers are too busy to be concerned about
>intrusions. Very often after beginning cautiously with veil and gloves, I
would
>discard both and work just in long pants and a t-shirt. That is not to say I
was
>never stung - but I rarely felt I needed to be a 'warrior in full battle gear'
.
>
>Perhaps you should consider requeening with gentler stock.
>
>           [log in to unmask]             John