Epi Pen?!??!

Early on I would question my parenting in regards to these bees. Is it irresponsible to allow a kid to bee keep? What if we are allergic to bee stings? Should I get the kids tested by an allergist prior to undertaking this new hobby? But what an ordeal to put them through for what I understand to be a miniscule chance of being severely allergic. Ultimately, I tried not to think about it and when one of us got stung my best plan was to doctor the sting quickly and take a drive for ice cream…which just so happens to be next to the hospital…you know, just in case. 

Once the bees actually arrived and were on site the grandmothers began to raise concerns. One in particular insisted on calling the pediatrician for an epi pen. Reluctant as I was just sure they don’t just hand those things out, I called to appease both her and my own curiosities. After all, if I had called for one and they didn’t prescribe one I had done all I could. I did feel silly calling in and explaining our situation. I even asked if they’d ever received a question like this before to which she responded…”well, not exactly this question but we do get a lot of strange things”. With that she said she would have a nurse call me back. The nurse explained that bee stings hurt. Be sure to get the stinger out. And I could have up to 30 minutes before a reaction would take place…this was a bit of a relief because I thought I’d have way less time! She explained what to look for…swelling of the face, blue lips/nails, belly breathing, flared nostrils, vomiting…all bad things. And would you believe they called in a prescription for an epi pen…just in case. Good for anyone to use. Whew. Who knew? I guess better safe than sorry is the way to go. And after all that, the price at the pharmacy pick up was $218.00 and I almost left without it! Again, better safe than sorry…we have an epi pen. And as long as I can remember where we keep it and how to use it properly…no one dies. No pressure there. 

My concern is growing more for stings outside of the bee keeping. During hive inspections we are as prepared as can be. However, hanging out in the backyard or mowing the lawn…this might be more likely times for a bee sting. Sigh…you can bet the first sting will warrant a blog all of it’s own!

As for the bees, we’ve been letting them be. We are feeding sugar water (1:1 ratio) in gallon feeders on each hive. In a week’s time they have consumed about half. On rainy days when the bees don’t want to fly I suit up and quickly go peek to make sure the feeder is still full. Hopefully there is a good nectar flow and they are opting for nectar over sugar water. Feeding is supposed to increase comb production which then increases brood and eventually will increase honey…if my understanding is correct. I’ve diligently started keeping a bee journal to document all observations and actions taken on each hive. Our next hive inspection is this week so it will be exciting to see how things are progressing in there. I was hoping the first brood box would be 80% full and would allow for the second brood box with a new 8 frames each to be added but that might be overly optimistic…I’m just not sure. But either way, I better quickly assemble the last of the frames and foundation just in case they are needed…how exciting would that be?!?!?!? I’ll keep you posted on progress.

In the mean time the kids and I have started a project based learning unit on honeybees. I might be more excited than they are but I’m hoping the activity will offer some expansion on our bee keeping. It’s May and they are simply ready to BEE DONE with school…aren’t we all?!?!? I mean, if I can’t hold their interest with bees, it’s fair to say it’s time for summer!!! We’re ready, epi pen and all!

-Worker Bee 2021