If you really struggle with the weight, you can change to top bar hives, which only require one bar at a time to be lifted. As the bars are replacing the inner cover, very few bees are affected when you lift each bar, and you can even drop a temporary bar in its place to keep the bees in as you inspect the one lifted, or harvest honey from it. That reduces the amount of smoke needed - or a very light syrup can replace even that - and the level of protection needed, often to just a veil and gloves. Of course, it can be at whatever height is best for that beekeeper to work it, even if that is from a wheelchair.
Beekeeping is cool!
Thank you
If you really struggle with the weight, you can change to top bar hives, which only require one bar at a time to be lifted.
As the bars are replacing the inner cover, very few bees are affected when you lift each bar, and you can even drop a temporary bar in its place to keep the bees in as you inspect the one lifted, or harvest honey from it. That reduces the amount of smoke needed - or a very light syrup can replace even that - and the level of protection needed, often to just a veil and gloves. Of course, it can be at whatever height is best for that beekeeper to work it, even if that is from a wheelchair.
Good point, thank you!