🐝 Day 26: Kamikaze Bees & Wildfire Smoke
If you saw me walking around Fort Atkinson on July 16th, no you didn't! 🙈
Amanda Collins
7/16/20261 min read
If you saw me walking around Fort Atkinson on July 16th, no you didn't! 🙈
Between thick, haze-inducing wildfire smoke rolling in from the north and a particularly spicy bees, they were on high alert—and one little guard bee decided I was Public Enemy #1. Out of nowhere, she launched a full kamikaze strike straight for my face and tagged me right on the cheekbone.
Within an hour, the left side of my face looked completely normal, while the right side looked like I’d gone three rounds in a boxing ring. Walking through town looking like a total nutjob with half a swollen face is just one of the glamorous perks of urban beekeeping!
Despite the smoky skies and the sting, the hives were still hustling. The smoke definitely had them acting more defensive than usual, but the supers were continuing to fill up fast.
💡 Moral of the Day
Always wear your veil even if just observing from a distance —and respect the weather!
High humidity, heavy wildfire smoke, and overcast skies make for grumpy bees. When atmospheric pressure drops and the air tastes like smoke, keep inspections quick, zip up tight, and save the deep hive dives for a clear, sunny morning! 🐝💨