After having a couple of days of 60+ weather, decided to check on my 5 hives and add a pollen patty to each. Being as all the hives have new queens and have been very polite, I just grabbed my pullover hoodie/veil like my son is wearing in my avatar. Grabbed up the pollen patties and off I went.
Got in first hive, doing good, a little testy, but put the pollen patty in and all was good. Second hive, my biggest hive, things were a little more busy, but they just bounced off me and gave some warning fly by's.
By hive 3 they are realizing that they do not like unannounced visitors, but no stings.
Hive 4 Pretty nice bunch of bees.
Hive 5, Still got some genetics of bees that were the Spawn of Satan. Up to this point they have been tolerable, but were probably going to be requeened if I felt it necessary later in the spring. Took the top off and an evil buzzing black cloud emerged upon me. Great Googley Moogley, Yowzers and lots of other words that are not repeatable came out. There was no visible white from my pullover, couldn't see through the mesh on the front and about that time I thought a briar had poked me through my Scrub bottoms (really suited up for this one). Then a second prick and I'm trying to figure out where I found a briar in my pasture. I've slowly been wiping the bees from my veil only to see that my legs are covered with a VERY angry bunch of bees.
Did a hasty retreat while trying not to kill all the stinging demons. Get to the front door only to be greeted with it being locked and the wife and kids laughing and telling me to get rid of the rest of the clingons before coming in.
Do my best and still managed to bring in two with me,
Go get out the vented bee suit, thicker gloves and considered the wasp and hornet spray, but didn't. Went back out to close up the hive and that was the happiest bunch of bees I've dealt with. Placed the pollen patty, replaced the top and then went in to take benedryl and put vagisil on the stings. Looked like I'd had a go around in the chigger patch with all the red spots, but if you can walk away from something and learn, it's a good day.
Lessons learned.
1. Scrubs are not thick enough to offer any protection.
2. hooded veil also has hole in armpit which explained why more bees were found in house and spots on neck.
3. Never think you are Superman and just a quick look doesn't require protection in the winter.
4. Kill that #%^$%%$^* queen when I get a replacement for her.