Never found even harvesting to require more than the occasional puff of smoke. But we had Buckfast, and made sure to replace the queen of any aggressive colony. Maybe you have more aggressive breeds.
Yeah the Russians are a little meaner, but do better with the mites and winter. The Italians are much easier to work, but require a lot more “hand holding”. Either way I normally knock with some smoke at the entrance/through the screened bottom for 2-3 puffs, then when I crack the top or move off a super, add a puff at the location. If I’m working slow and see them start staring me down, they get a little more.
I work bare handed because gloves loose too much dexterity, but that also gives them a giant target.
Never found even harvesting to require more than the occasional puff of smoke. But we had Buckfast, and made sure to replace the queen of any aggressive colony. Maybe you have more aggressive breeds.
Yeah the Russians are a little meaner, but do better with the mites and winter. The Italians are much easier to work, but require a lot more “hand holding”. Either way I normally knock with some smoke at the entrance/through the screened bottom for 2-3 puffs, then when I crack the top or move off a super, add a puff at the location. If I’m working slow and see them start staring me down, they get a little more.
I work bare handed because gloves loose too much dexterity, but that also gives them a giant target.