My first Beekeeping Lesson

​I had my first beekeeping session as a beekeeper apprentice today by my teacher and mentor Krista from Seattle Bee Works. We talked about beekeeping in general, were introduced to tools, the smoker, propolis, bee behavior and lots of other interesting facts around the bees.

When we wanted to check on the Bee Garden hives we could not open the lock on the door. It took us a while with no success, so we decided to break it open. Team effort and help from a friendly neighbor walking by.

The bees were alert and I made a newbie mistake by sticking my glove in the comb and getting it full with honey. From now on I had at least 15 bees on me at all times, so checking on the frames while trying not to squish any of them. If you squish one they give out a banana-like alert pheromone which makes the others aggressive. You don't want dead or angry bees so you try to avoid this.

We needed more eggs for one hive and had to open all 3 to 'steal' one for the hive that has a laying worker. I am still learning a ton and I still need to learn a whole ton more. Bees are really fascinating and I have a huge respect for them. There is so much to know. I am also excited to educate my community about the importance of bees.

I love 'beeing' around bees. I love watching bees. I love taking pictures of bees. I am passionate about bees since my science presentation about bees in High School. I always found them very interesting and even got a good grade on my project. 

I watched 'Vanishing of the bees' and was shocked. I dreamed of having bees the night my former neighbor Lauren posted her mission to create an education apiary in my neighborhood. Sure thing, I was in. And in Spring 2013 Lauren, some friends and neighbors and my family built the bee enclosure in the West Seattle Bee Garden. We came a long way.

Finally I get the chance to work with bees and get to know them even closer.