The smoker is immediately used so that Brooks can do her job in a somewhat peaceful manner. The smoke that is comprised of sweet smelling dried grasses and herbs masks the pheromones bees use to communicate, and calms them down.
Brooks examines each frame for broods, or eggs of bees, to make sure the hive will stay alive. She is also looking to make sure the hive has a Queen.
Although the super, where honey and wax is stored, looks to be full, the harvest of honey is not until June and July.
St. Augustine beekeeper, Danielle Brooks, 29, wastes no time suiting up and preparing once we get to the location of the hive. Here, Brooks is getting the smoker ready, which is a tool used to distract the bees.
A stinger right on the thumb! Although the suit prevents her from feeling the sting, Brooks says she has been stung probably one hundred times, and "it still hurts like a bitch."
Becoming a beekeeper was the best way for Brooks to overcome her fear of bees, and being an avid tea drinker, she was excited to enjoy the fruits (honey) of her labor.
Brooks filling the hive beetle trap with oil.
Brooks proudly displaying a frame of her bees.
When she is not tending to the hives, Brooks is running her photography business, attending the University of Florida's "bee college" where she is working on becoming a master beekeeper, and educating the youth about the importance of bees and beekeeping.
Packing up camp after a successful morning of tending to the hives.
Brooks takes a quick video log of what she has accomplished during the session. It is important to note and remember any changes made to keep track of the hives.
Back at the car we check out Brooks' label for her honey company, in which she will soon be selling her honey out of her vintage red Ford Ecoline. Make sure to check out her website: daniellebrooksphotography.com.