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   Last year, I decided it would be a good idea to raise bees. It was one of those “how hard could it be” moments. For Christmas, my wife and sons got me assorted beekeeping equipment, so I was all set for the adventure. During the winter, I took a class and read several books on the subject. I learned enough about bees to know I did not know enough about bees. They are very interesting and complicated insects.

   In spite of my misgivings, I set out a swarm trap and caught a swarm of bees looking for a new home. They seemed happy in their new surroundings but apparently were not. One day I went to check on them and every bee was gone. They had just packed up and left. This year, I decided things were going to be different. I purchased an established hive of bees. They already had a queen that was laying eggs and had built out quite a bit of honeycomb.

   The evening my new bees arrived, I was ready and suited up with coveralls, bee veil, and gloves. Transferring them to their new home went smoothly and none of the bees seemed at all upset. I fed them some sugar water and put them to bed. I let them settle in for a week before I checked on them again. Not knowing what to expect, I again donned the full regalia of protective clothing. To my surprise, when I opened the hive, the bees did not seem at all concerned about being disturbed. They went about their business making comb and caring for the newly laid eggs. I fed them again and closed the hive.

   The following week, my son went with me to check and feed the bees. Knowing how calm they had been in the past; we only wore veils to protect from bee stings. With pulling each frame to check on the work in progress, the bees did not get upset. We took off the veils and put them aside when about half done checking. A few bees flew around and some even landed on us as though they were curious but not threatened. I decided, this was a nice docile group of bees.

   Saturday afternoon, I went down to the hive for their weekly inspection and feeding. Knowing how gentle my bees had been, I wore a T-shirt and no veil or other protective clothing. When I pulled the Ranger up to the front of the hive, I noticed forty or fifty bees at the front door as though they were guarding it. This was unusual and they seemed to be glaring at me with their beady little eyes. I went about my usual routine and pulled the top off the hive. The usually calm bees that previously had ignored me suddenly came alive in full attack mode. In the time it took me to get back in the Ranger and get out of there, they stung me four times.

   Sunday afternoon, I went back out to finish the job I had started the previous day. This time, I wore the full protective suit from head to toe. When I approached, the guards were again at the door, but they did not seem nearly as annoyed at seeing me. As I worked my way through the hive, a few bees flew around, but none attacked. I got them fed and closed up without incident.

   As a beginner beekeeper, this is another thing I learned I do not know. Perhaps one bee was having a bad day so the whole hive had a bad day. I do know I will wear at least part of my protective clothing so I do not have a bad day when they decide for unknown reasons they do not want me in their hive.

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