Maxims for opening the hive:
- Have the smoker ready to give forth a good volume of smoke.
- Use the smoker to scare the bees rather than to punish them.
- Do not stand in front of the hive lest the bees passing out and in take umbrage.
- Be careful not to drop any implements with which you are working; take hold of all things firmly.
- Move steadily, and not nervously.
- Do not run if frightened, for the bees understand what running away means as well as you do.
- If the bees attack you, move slowly away, smoking them off as you go.
- If a bee annoys you by her threatening attitude for some time, kill her ruthlessly.
- If stung by a bee, rub off the sting, instead of pulling it out with the nails of the thumb and forefinger and thus forcing more venom into the wound.
- Ammonia applied to the wound made by a bee-sting will usually afford immediate relief.