Bees

 I thought there was a bee crisis in the U.S. I have seen more bees in
the last few weeks than I have ever seen. I am not sure what kind they
are, they don't look like what I think of as a honey bee.  I also
found a wasp nest in my greenhouse after I got stung twice. Anyone
else?

 


The local bumble bee is still around ( think it’s 2 or 3). They been
regular visitors for as long as I can remember.

Cheers

 

The crisis is with honey bees.  [and it is worldwide]   I've actually
seen more Honey Bees this year than I have for several years so either
I'm lucky- or they are making a comeback.   The ones I've been seeing
seem smaller than the Italian bees that used to be so prolific--  not
by a lot, but slightly.

Pedantic note-- 'wasps' and hornets aren't bees.  

Bees are pollen collectors which make them important to gardeners.  

Jim

 Duh!

Here in mainland Australia, we do not have Bumble bees.  There are Bumble
bees in Tasmania but no on the mainland - lucky Tasmanians having these
delightful bumble bees!

Anyway, I've been reading a book on beekeeping and it's written by  a north
American.  I've been finding it hugely irritating to read because the author
writes about 'honey bees' this and 'honey bees' that and 'honey bees' the
other thing..........

Since I KNOW that I'm reading a book about bees, bee keeping, and honey
production for the backyard hive owner, I've been wondering why this person
keeps adding the adjective 'honey'.  Duh!  One dropped penny...........

 wrote:


Another 'separated by a common language thing'?    In the US, Bumble
bees are chubby fellows who are not the thoughtful workers that
Honeybees are.    Their nests are seasonal so they don't store honey.

Honeybees are truly social critters who make-- honey.

If you just say 'bees' - you include a bunch of species, most of whom
don't make honey. [Carpenter bees, mason bees, bumble bees are the
most common in my area.]

Jim