It is satisfying to get messages from customers like this one from last July: “It’s so nice to be able to drive my lawnmower near them without getting stirred up.”
Another new young beekeeper told us she got stung once last year because she had grown accustomed to working the hive we sold them with no veil or gloves or smoker.
September first another customer wrote us: “Hi Michael, We got a nuc from you this spring that has completely exceeded our expectations. We also got a nuc from a local supplier and the temperament is nothing compared to your bees of that hive. We were hoping to re-queen when you have any queens available.”
While inspecting our hives this spring, the WV State Inspector commented with delight “Your bees are so much gentler than the average bee!” It has always seemed like a constant uphill battle to maintain the kind of gentleness that I like in our colonies. Reports like these are so encouraging, especially because the mite resistant lines offered often seem to be lacking in this trait.
The hive in this photo was not one of our particularly gentle colonies, but I was still able to work it without smoke or gloves by going gently.
Having said that, I can never guarantee exceptional gentleness from all the queens and nucs we sell. Our bees seem to have a healthy degree of genetic diversity. We always recommend wearing your veil and at least having your smoker handy.