Hi folks,
Freshman here. Two hives. They both looked good to me a couple of weeks ago. We'll see.
Sometimes I see that beekeepers refer to the use of stethoscopes to "hear" what's going on inside the hive, especially in cold weather.
I've been fascinated with watching the bees this first year. I've pressed my ear to the sides of the hive. I've heard the hummmm. But watching them is a hoot! eg; One little worker refusing to let three gallumphering drones back into the hive late in the year. One got by her. She followed him in, dragged him out by a leg, and kept her place.
Anyway, I saw some stethoscopes listed on a local "craigslist" for short money. $20 for a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff.
Could someone tell me how "interesting" listening to my bees would be? What can be learned from listening,...besides the fact that bees are alive? Do humm sounds vary?
Also, will listening to them actually lower my blood pressure. :) I do think that the time I spend watching them when they're out and about reduces my stress.
Thank you,
Salvo