Bear are extremely rare here but the odd random one has been known to pass through as there's well documented breeding populations in the southern portions of MO and I've seen a couple over the years here. They will obliterate the hives, mostly for the brood frames but obviously they like the honey too. I've had skunks get stung to death so they aren't too bee proof, only had that happen once and didn't do anything to the hive but scratch it. Coons, I've never heard of a coon messing with a bee hive, certainly never had one bother around them at all to my knowledge. The biggest problem I've had with any sort of raiding of hives has been from other bees trying to raid excess honey stores but even that has only happened like three times.
Good to hear you have honey bees around. We noticed here that we didn't have many bees on or around our apple trees this spring when they bloomed.
I really should. My buddy has 3-4 of them and usually does well. At least he'd be able to give me a hand getting them started. Ooohhh another hobby!!
Just be careful and make sure you're not allergic before you spend a lot of money in the hobby because it's a pretty expensive hobby and some folks are extremely allergic and don't even know it. I rarely get stung but it will happen once in a while no matter how careful a person is.
Bringing this back to life Everyone still keeping bees? I started last spring and so far both hives are still alive so hopefully they make it all the way through winter. I love talking with others that enjoy beekeeping.
Allergic here. Last time I got stung in the arm I looked like popeye. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Yep, still keeping them here, bigger than ever. I went into winter with 40 hives. I increased from 12 hives last spring. I've lost a few so far, I don't know how many for sure. I know of three that I've lost so far from rob outs on some of the warm days this winter. They get a 55F day or two and think spring is here and think they should be working whether there's anything to work on or not.
Yeah I didn't know if these warm days that we have in between the bitter cold days was a good thing or not. Do you do screened bottoms or open? Both of mine are screened which I left open all winter and it seems to be helping with moisture.
