TIL to sniff for bees before sweeping a chimney

I was cleaning a chimney last spring and noticed a sweet smell. I figured it was just old creosote, so I kept brushing away. Suddenly, bees started flooding out of the flue like crazy. I had to climb down fast, and the homeowner couldn't stop laughing. Now I always take a quick sniff check before I start any job. Last week, I caught that same smell and called a beekeeper right away. It's a silly lesson, but it sure keeps things calm.

4 comments

4 Comments

oliver8557mo ago

I mean idk, panicking is like the worst thing you can do up there honestly. If you freeze up or move too fast that's when you actually lose your footing. Maybe it's just me but noticing that smell ahead of time is what keeps you from ever getting to the panic point. Staying calm lets you just back away slow and figure it out.

the_robert6mo ago

Okay but "staying calm lets you just back away slow"... come on, that's a movie line. In real life, your brain just short circuits. That sweet smell hits you and all your calm plans go out the window. The idea that you can always think your way out of pure fear is nice, but it's just not how panic works. Sometimes the body takes over no matter what you know.

blake_anderson7mo ago

Ever wonder if I'd be the guy who panics and falls off the roof?

brian_baker7mo ago

Seriously, bees just flooding out like that? That image is actually terrifying. How strong was that sweet smell anyway, could you actually tell it apart from the normal chimney smells? @blake_anderson, you wondering about panicking is exactly why this story hits different, because that situation sounds like a pure panic trigger. Sniffing first seems like such a tiny move, but it literally saves you from that heart-stopping moment. It's not silly at all, it's what keeps you from becoming a cautionary tale.