On 6/7/2010 9:59 AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:
>>> Another plus, well it beats the smell after cleaning out a septic tank ,-)
>
> I am sure it does. :)
>
> If the smell of pine needle smoke on the clothes is an issue for anyone,
  inspect like I do - topless in short  shorts and sandals.

Good advice, and I agree, but in this part of the world I have to wear a 
top, they are not big around here on women running around topless in 
their yards.  I have learned not to put my hands on my bare knees after 
handling queens.  The young bees come out and start patting and loving 
on my knees, until a couple get squeezed by the hem of the shorts and 
start stinging.

I very rarely smoke (sideliner so I usually have the luxury of picking 
my bee yard hours.  I do put a ribbon of "pollen glop" (pollen sub, 
syrup, and vegetable oil mixed to a paste squeezed from a bag like 
icing) on each frame as soon as I go in.  Keeps them busy, spreads the 
feed around, covers the tracheal mites, and doesn't start robbing or 
become "honey".

A smoker test is required for beekeeper certification here in SC. 
Because I rarely used one, and was usually working hives for the 
demonstrations, it took me over 10 years to finish the practical and 
become officially certified.  During that time I co-founded our 5-county 
beekeeping association and served as president or on the board and got 
teased lots for 'working naked' and not being certified.  They don't 
tease about my bees, tho, our survivor mongrels are proving their worth 
with no chemicals more and more every year.

Carolyn in SC

P.S.  I prefer barefoot to sandals

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