Itchiest Bee Sting in the Whole World...Ever

[DayValleyDahlias]

Here's a thought...if the Lemonbalm calms me..all the better...Cindi I am remembering a note you posted about the ingredient "gerniol" ( sp ) that scent the hive aroma...a chemical scent found in many plants/flowers...lemonbalm being one...so perhaps if you smell "hivey" to the bees, they will be less annoyed...

As we say in Spanish..."Quien Sabe?"

I use BOTH baby powder, then lemonbalm...

Om

[doak]

Bee1, and the rest of the new Bee Keepers.
Don't if this was said or not.
Early in the season, before the bees have much honey stored. A good gentle colony doesn't sting as much
as they do after they get some honey stored.
The hives that I know, I don't use gloves the first few times. But after a super or two is added I start useing them.
Like some said, smoke the area as soon as possible after the sting, and ,yes, for some reason the baby powder works.
Stay away from smelly perfumes, deodorant  when working with Bees.
I use the "hunters", SENT-A-WAY deodorant.
If you don't have allergic reaction to the ventom, I wouldn't take anything.
The bit of pain and swelling comes with the fun and joys of Beek-ing
doak

[Bee1]

You guys are nuts... in a good way.      Enjoy your pain and suffering; and I will enjoy trying to keep mine to a minimum.    I like the idea of lemon balm, but not if it interests the bees and attracts them to my bare hands.  I will watch and listen to those using it for awhile first. 

I like my gloves more today than yesterday -
Bee1

 

[qa33010]

    It's weird  Last year the stings burned and itched like crazy later for about five days.  This year they don't burn, just pain and the itching is minimum.   Last year was drought this year, so far, isn't.

[Cindi]

Geraniol, (oil-of-rose scent) that is the "hive" chemical, found in lemonbalm and other stuff.  I am going to do some experiments of rubbing lemonbalm leaves on the hive body just for fun and watch if the bees are interested or not. 

I know from posts on this forum that lemongrass oil is used on the top of the top bars in a "swarm" box to lure swarms, they must enjoy.  Have a wonderful day, great life, great health.  Cindi