Beekeeping For Dummies. Howland Blackiston

Чтение книги онлайн.

Chapter 3

      Alleviating Apprehensions and Making Decisions

      IN THIS CHAPTER

      I suspect all new backyard beekeepers think similar thoughts as they’re deciding to make the plunge. You’ve thought about beekeeping for some time. You’re growing more and more intrigued by the idea … maybe this is the year you’re going to do something. It certainly sounds like a lot of fun. What could be more unique? It’s educational and a nice outdoor activity for you — back to nature and all that stuff. The bees will do a great job of pollinating the garden, and there’s that glorious crop of delicious homegrown honey to look forward to. And you realize you can make a difference by introducing a colony of bees at a time when the feral bee population is in jeopardy. The anticipation is building daily, and you’re consumed with excitement. That’s it! You’ve made up your mind. You’ll become a beekeeper! But in the back of your mind, some nagging concerns keep bubbling to the surface.

      You’re a wee bit concerned about getting stung, aren’t you? Your friends and family may say you’re crazy for thinking of becoming a beekeeper. What if the neighbors disapprove when they find out? Maybe bees are not even allowed in your neighborhood. What happens if the bees don’t like their new home and all fly away? Help!

Relax. These are certainly some of the concerns I had when I first started. In this chapter, I hope to defuse your apprehensions and suggest some helpful ways to deal with those concerns.

Overcoming Sting Phobia

      Perhaps the best-known part of the bee’s anatomy is its stinger. Quite honestly, that was my biggest apprehension about taking up beekeeping. I don’t think I’d ever been stung by a honey bee, but I’d certainly felt the wrath of yellow jackets and wasps. I wanted no part of becoming a daily target for anything so unpleasant. I fretted about my fear for a long time, looking for reassurances from experienced beekeepers. They told me time and again that honey bees bred for beekeeping were docile and seldom inclined to sting. But lacking firsthand experience, I was doubtful.

      The advice turned out to be 100 percent correct. Honey bees are docile and gentle creatures. To my surprise (and delight), I made it through my entire first season without receiving a single sting. In the decades that I’ve been keeping bees, not a single member of my family, not a single visitor to my home, and not a single neighbor has ever been stung by one of my honey bees.

      By the way, bees sting — they don’t bite. Honey bees use their stinger only as a last resort to defend the colony. After all, they die after stinging a person. When bees are away from the hive (while they’re collecting nectar and pollen), defending the colony is no longer a priority, so they’re as gentle as lambs out in the field, unless, of course, accidentally stepped on.

      Do I ever get stung? Sure. But usually not more than three or four times a year. In every case, the stings I take are a result of my own carelessness. I’m rushing, taking shortcuts, or am inattentive to their mood — all things I shouldn’t do. (I really should read this book more often!) My sloppiness is merely the result of becoming so comfortable with my bees that I’m not as diligent as I should be. The secrets to avoiding stings are your technique and demeanor.

      Here are some helpful tips for avoiding stings: