Are the bees back?

[Myquest55]

We live, practically, in the center of the village and I have seen a LOT of honey bees in my garden this summer. Last year I think I saw two. Anyone else seeing more bees? I have been worried about them.

 

[JBR]

The honey bee population seems to be pretty healthy around here. It's a joy to see them among our flowering plants. I have four friends who each keep multiple hives, and while there are occasional problems and some years are better than others, all are feeling good about their hives these days.

 

[OldFeller]

 

[Muskrat]

I have none. Absolutely no pollinators. My garden sucks as a result. I live in a subdivision and everyone thinks the bugs will carry them off…so they spray.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

This year, I’ve seen a lot more bees. Here we have what’s called ‘No Mow May.’ It’s asking people not to mow down dandelions in May to give bees a fighting chance and it seems like it’s helping. Lots of people are taking note and not mowing the lawn in the month of May.
On our walks this year I’ve seen a LOT more bees.

 

[Remy]

This year, I’ve seen a lot more bees. Here we have what’s called ‘No Mow May.’ It’s asking people not to mow down dandelions in May to give bees a fighting chance and it seems like it’s helping. Lots of people are taking note and not mowing the lawn in the month of May.
On our walks this year I’ve seen a LOT more bees.

Wow, some common sense. Finally. I hate the spray. I know it is done with agriculture. I hate to see the small planes when I have drove in the central valley. But home spraying is nuts IMO.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Wow, some common sense. Finally. I hate the spray. I know it is done with agriculture. I hate to see the small planes when I have drove in the central valley. But home spraying is nuts IMO.

We never spay. We never have sprayed. We have dogs and don’t do anything which might negatively affect them.

 

[Murrmurr]

The bees are fine.

Butterflies are good pollinators, too. I've planted flowers and shrubs that attract bees and butterflies, and they both hit the veggies in my garden that flower....when they flower.

 

[timoc]

This afternoon I went into the garden, and looking at a hebe bush, I thought, "The flowers look a strange colour," but when I got closer I realised that the bush was covered in dozens and dozens of bees.
I've never seen so many on the one bush.
Now, sitting looking out of the open window I'm wondering, "Will those bees be so grateful for the use of my hebe bush that they may slide a jar or two of their best honey onto my window ledge?"

 

[Pepper]

I have seen both bees and butterflies this summer for the first time in years. Wonder why? I love it. Well, bees not so much, but they are very necessary for existence. Butterflies? Beautiful creatures.

 

[jujube]

My daughter and son-in-law have an apiary that is their "side-gig". He has hives in a few different counties and says this hasn't been a good year.

 

[JBR]

My daughter and son-in-law have an apiary that is their "side-gig". He has hives in a few different counties and says this hasn't been a good year.

Has he shared his explanation with you?

 

[Paco Dennis]

From the Washington Post :

After almost two decades of relentless colony collapse coverage and years of grieving suspiciously clean windshields, we were stunned to run the numbers on the new Census of Agriculture (otherwise known as that wonderful time every five years where the government counts all the llamas): America’s honeybee population has rocketed to an all-time high.

 

[hearlady]

We live, practically, in the center of the village and I have seen a LOT of honey bees in my garden this summer. Last year I think I saw two. Anyone else seeing more bees? I have been worried about them.

Yes! Not so much his honey bees but lots of native bees. We've not seen many at all for quite a while.
We starting planting a lot of flowers and leaving the dandelions and such. Also, no commercial weed killer.
So nice to fight them off while deadheading!

 

[Tommy]

Butterflies? Beautiful creatures.

Butterflies are pollinators, They eat nectar. They also eat animal poop. Doesn't do a lot to enhance their image.

 

[Pepper]

Butterflies are pollinators, They eat nectar. They also eat animal poop. Doesn't do a lot to enhance their image.

Thank God I've never seen that, Tommy!

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Thank God I've never seen that, Tommy!

Ditto.

 

[Tommy]

As to the original question, in the roughly ten years that we've owned this property I've seen surprisingly few honey bees here. We have plenty of other pollinators, don't use any pesticides on our land, have fields, woods, and plenty of natural flora.

If I had to guess, I think we have enough natural predators to keep the honey bee population low.

 

[StillLearning]

Our county has a reimbursement program to promote natural plants in suburban settings. My daughter got about $400 worth and shared with me. I’m excited to see how they do after a year in my garden. I’ve seen more bees and butterflies this year. At our local park someone has adopted an area and applied for same program. It’s nice.

 

[Myquest55]

It is good to see so many people encouraging the bees and butterflies! I do know that a group at the local high school - which isn't far from us - started some hives, in a fully enclosed by chain link, area so, perhaps that is where they are coming from. Otherwise I have watched for honey bees over the last few years and only saw 1 the first year and 2 or 3 last year so I'm happy to see so many on the flowers this year. I hope more people are keeping hives.
PS - don't forget to talk to them. The bees like to stay informed

 

[MaidMarian]

Yes, they’re back!

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[jet]

a lack of bees,butterflys and all bugs,,my butterfly bush is in flower,usually loads of bees and butterflies,theres none this year