19 August 2017

Danger Lurks Round Every Corner


“Stop walking and keep very still.  Now move slowly to the right...”

We were out for our evening walk with Rick and had been climbing a hill through the chestnut grove.  The hill was quite steep and I had my eyes fixed on the ground.  When I looked up I could see the swarm of bees hanging from a branch just a few feet in front of us.

I doubt we were in any danger.  There are hives dotted throughout the woods and this was likely to be a swarm from an overcrowded hive.  They were probably stuffed full of honey and in a docile mood.  But it got me thinking about what action we could take in the middle of the woods if they suddenly decided to attack.  There were no buildings nearby to take shelter.  All we would be able to do is run and try and protect our faces.  It's dangerous out there in those woods!



12 comments:

  1. I have to carry an EPI pen so I would have been running for the hills.

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    1. Too right, bees stings are bad enough without an allergic reaction.

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  2. They were probably having a snooze. I don't think honeybees attack.

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    1. Not unless you walk right into them! I think it's only the African Killer Bees that are vicious.

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  3. If there was a stream or even an animal drinking trough you could have dived under the water and waited for night to come.

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    1. I might have drowned before night came. In any case there were only a few muddy puddles, no streams or troughs.

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  4. I feed sugar water on a teaspoon to any tired-stray-bee that lands on my balcony. I love to watch it suck up the liquid with its proboscis - it's amazing how they recover fast and fly away.
    Greetings Maria x

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  5. I think Rachel is correct. They don't attack like wasps would and they do get into a rather docile state when swarming - but nevertheless a bit scary to be so close.

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    1. I think they're fine unless you disturb them.

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  6. I was once passing through St Front, and needed to stop at a temporary traffic light. In no time a swarm covered my windscreen, and I had to use the wipers to remove them. Thank goodness I had my windows up!

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