Attitude Matters: How to Stay Calm and Confident Around Bees

Being around bees can be a little intimidating, especially for new beekeepers or those unfamiliar with their behavior. However, staying calm and confident is key not only for your own safety but for the well-being of the bees. Here’s how you can remain composed when working with or near bees:

1. Understand Bee Behavior

One of the best ways to stay calm around bees is to understand how they behave. Bees are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened, so if you move slowly and calmly, they’re more likely to leave you alone. Knowing that bees are focused on foraging for nectar, pollen, and maintaining their hive can help reduce fear. If you’re in the hive, take notice of their body language and the noises they make. If you see their abdomens pointing upwards with their stingers protruding out, thats a sign that they’re feeling defensive. If you hear them collectively “hissing”, that’s another sign.

2. Wear Proper Protective Gear

Confidence starts with feeling safe, and proper protective gear is crucial when working with bees. For some people thats a full bee suit with leather gloves and close toed shoes. For others, its everyday clothes and no veil. I personally like to wear a face veil. I always bring a long sleeved shirt to protect me from the sun and to give me a barrier incase the bees start getting fiesty. I also travel with nitrile gloves which allow me more detexterity than the traditional leather gloves. Wear and use whatever makes you feel most secure!

Maria in a full suit (with flip flops on, haha!)

3. Move Slowly and Gently

Bees react to quick, jerky movements. Moving slowly and deliberately around bees allows them to adjust to your presence and lowers the chance of agitating them. Even if a bee lands on you, avoid the impulse to swat or run. Instead, remain still or gently brush the bee away.

4. Use Your Smoker Wisely

When inspecting a hive, use a smoker to help you manage the bees. The smoke masks the alarm pheromones that bees release when they feel threatened, reducing the likelihood of aggressive behavior. It also helps to move bees out of the way so that you don’t accidentally crush bees (which would elicit the alarm pheromone) A few puffs at the entrance and/or over the frames can work wonders in keeping everyone relaxed while you work.

5. Manage Your Own Stress

Bees can pick up on stress and agitation, which may make them more defensive. Take a few deep breaths before approaching the hive, and remind yourself that bees are not out to sting you. Relaxing your body and staying calm will help you manage any anxiety you may feel.

6. Trust in Experience

The more time you spend with bees, the more confident you’ll become. Over time, you’ll start to recognize their signals—like when they’re getting agitated or when they’re completely calm. Building this experience will help you feel more at ease.

By combining knowledge, proper techniques, and a calm mindset, you can work around bees confidently and safely, ensuring a positive experience for both you and your hive.

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Foundation vs. Foundationless Beekeeping: The Pros, Cons, and How-To Guide