Hey Newbee, I had one of those toss and turn nights, waking at 2:00 AM, just laying there and started to think about this topic. At this point I'm still uncertain if the "fear" comes from inexperience, not sure what you're looking for, or at, during inspections or if indeed it's the fear of getting stung. Maybe even a mixture of the two? If its concern over getting stung here's something to think about: a misquoted quote from Tecumseh (I think), The first 2 millimeters of the sting are a fact, the remaining six inches is all in your head. If its the inexperience, not being sure what you are trying to accomplish or how to accomplish your objective during an inspection here's something to think about.
Have you ever noticed the correctness of the saying 90% of the work gets done by 10% of the people? I'm not sure I agree 100% but I do believe that busy people are busy because they "take things on". So, my guess is that you have a fairly busy schedule? I get it. I do too. However here's my suggestion, as it worked for me. Find a beekeeper in your area, next door would be great but when better options aren't available next best will have to do. You may have to drive a ways, I did. Find a beekeeper, find out his/her inspection schedule and show up. Watch, listen, ask questions. My first season of beekeeping I hooked up with a cat called LazyBkpr. I kept showing up and he kept letting me. We talked about what he was doing, why he was doing it and other options of accomplishing the same task. That went on all summer, every week I'd show up and every week I'd learn a bit more and gain a bit more confidence. So much so that I'd go home brimming with confidence and promptly make a mess of my hive , only to have Lazy help me walk it back later. From that I now know that there are few mistakes I can make in a hive that the bees, or someone else, cant help me fix. It's how I learned and how I'm still learning. As I said, that went on all summer. Winter rolled around, and I kept showing up so Lazy showed me how to build hive components. Okay, so he built them and I watched. Yes, he built MY components and I watched. Seems like every time I'd touch one of his tools I'd break it, nervous probably, so I started painting the components, it's hard to break a paint brush, not impossible, but difficult. From that winters experience I now have the confidence (and tools to break) to build my own components. A new cat stopped by my house last season and we started building HIS components! That seems to be the cycle. One beekeeper helps out another, that beekeeper helps another, that beekeeper helps out....... I'm sure you get my point. Anyway, I know you're busy, but do think about it.
Oh, The bee sting thing? Yeah, still freaks me out. On the other hand it gives Lazy something to laugh at/about and there's something to be said about adding some humor into this world. Good luck! Ted
