Adventures in Beekeeping; Purchased a Bee Suit and Hive Smoker

Earlier this morning, I (finally) ordered my bee suit.

I’ve seen numerous videos of beekeepers putting their honeybees into their hive without being fully covered, I’ve decided to err on the side of caution and be properly suited when I introduce my honeybees to their brand new hive.

The beekeepers aren’t included with the suit. although I admit they might come in handy since I’m a new beekeeper! So… why a bee suit? The package honeybees I’m receiving contains about 10,000 honeybees. Yeah, let that sink in for a bit… as much as I love bees.  Do you really think I want to showing a lot of bare skin if they decide that I’m the enemy? I didn’t think so…

Last Saturday, my Warre hive arrived by postal mail. The hive arrived in pieces and will stay that way until tomorrow when I finally get to assemble the hive. I’m handy with tools, so I really don’t see the project taking too long to complete.

Along with the bee suit I ordered a Hive Smoker. After reading the effects that the smoke seems to have on honeybees (causing them to retreat into their hive to protect their queen and honey stores) I’m hoping I don’t have to use it… Well I might use it to place smoke around me to make me look less appealing.

In other news…

I ordered a pair of Hiya Hiya size 0 steel circular knitting needles. I purchased them specifically for knitting socks You see… I joined a Hiya Hiya knit along on Ravelry, I love the Hiya Hiya Fairy Wings socks, I’ve purchased several of Qianer’s knitting patterns. She’s one the owners of Hiya Hiya knitting needles. A family business located in Shanghai, China.