mcmanus wrote:

> Hi All
>     Today while talking with another beekeeper and standing about ten feet
> from the nearest hive, I got stung on the face by one of the little girls
> that carried a grudge. I had not been working any of the hives or disturbing
> them in anyway. The sun was bright and the temp. was 72 F., about 1:30pm,
> flight was on in the full.
>     After the stinger was removed, I asked why? My friend made the comment
> that it could have been because of the scent I gave off.

I really don't think that scent has anything to do with it.  This same thing
occasionally happens to me, and I just feel that I interrupted the flight
pattern to the hive.  Ten feet is usually enough room, but sometimes it just
happens.  Fast jerky movements almost invariably stimulate defensive behavior,
but once in awhile one will get a sting for no reason (to us at least) at all.
This is why I insist that visitors wear a veil at least.  I don't mind a sting,
but they might!

Ted Fischer
Dexter, Michigan USA