Bee inspections must take place every 7-9 days to check for any problems, that the girls are happy, and that they have enough room to both lay more brood and store their honey and nectar. I use a smoker, which chills the bees and makes them more calm. This means I’m less likely to get stung and the bees don’t get stressed.
Getting the smoker ready Keeping them calm Keeping them calm
The frames are removed using a Hive Tool and the frames eased out to reveal how busy the girls have been building their own wax foundation. It can be tricky but eventually I master the technique of holding the frames safely. The work of the female workers never ceases to amaze me.
Using a hive tool The frames are eased out Holding the frame safely the work of the female workers never ceases to amaze
impossible to count impossible to count Stunningly intricate
