In general, honeybees and bumblebees are not overly aggressive when protecting their nest. However, both will readily sting to defend themselves or their colony. Honeybees sting more often than bumblebees, which is the main difference in how they behave when they shoot their venom. While a honeybee only stings once, a bumblebee is capable of … Read more
As a homeowner, nothing is more annoying than finding insects invading your personal space. Small black bees buzzing around indoors can be especially bothersome. While your first instinct may be to swat them, take a closer look before you do. Those little black bees could actually be helping your garden! Here’s what you need to … Read more
Spring brings the return of the birds and the bees to our yards and gardens. The sound of birds singing may be a nice sign of spring, but many people don’t like it when wasps and bees come back to their garden. In particular, the ground nesting bees that become more active in many lawns … Read more
Bees flying around or inside your home can be annoying and even dangerous. Finding where they are entering from is the first step to getting rid of them. With some detective work you can locate their access point and block it to prevent bees from returning. Watch for Clues The best way to start finding … Read more
The Sleep Habits and Nocturnal Activities of Carpenter Bees Carpenter bees are active and industrious insects during daylight hours. But when the sun goes down, what happens? Do carpenter bees sleep at night? Where do they spend their evenings, and what drives their nocturnal behavior? This article will explore the sleep cycles, resting places, and … Read more
Orange-belted bumblebees are one of the most recognizable bee species, thanks to the bright orange band around their abdomen. While the sight of their colorful fuzz and loud buzzing can be alarming, are orange bees truly dangerous? The short answer is that orange bees do pose some risk through their stings, but they are generally … Read more
Stumbling upon a buzzing bee hive when you’re out in your yard or taking a walk through nature can be startling. Your first instinct may be to run away or call an exterminator. However, honey bees are beneficial pollinators, so you should avoid killing them if you can Here’s what to do if you discover … Read more
Bumble bees are familiar fuzzy insects that busily buzz from flower to flower in gardens across North America, But some people may wonder – are bumble bees dangerous? Should you be worried about getting stung by these busy buzzers? Bumble bees are not aggressive and pose little risk if you take proper precautions around them. … Read more
The common eastern bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) is one of the most frequently spotted bees in backyards and gardens across North America. These large, fuzzy bees have distinctive black and yellow banding that makes them easily recognizable. Description The common eastern bumblebee has a robust, round body covered in dense black hairs. The thorax is mostly … Read more
Bees come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Our chief and resident bee expert, Noah Wilson-Rich, wrote The Bee: A Natural History. It says, “Earth is home to more than 20,000 bee species, from flower-besting squash bees and fluorescent-colored orchid bees.” Bees are a diverse species that plays an integral role in the life of … Read more