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
Buglife says that bees and wasps aren’t that different from each other, and we should love and protect both. People often say that wasps are bad bugs, but bees are loved and protected, making them the hero of the insect world. Yet the truth is they are not too dissimilar, and both play hugely important … Read more
Spraying bees with water is a controversial technique Some argue it’s an effective, non-lethal way to manage bees, while others claim it’s ineffective or even counterproductive. This article will examine the practice of spraying bees with water, including pros, cons, techniques, and alternatives Why Do People Spray Bees with Water? There are a few scenarios … Read more
Carpenter bees are large, solitary bees that get their name from their wood-boring habits Like other bees, carpenter bees serve an important role as pollinators in the ecosystem However, their wood-damaging behavior can cause problems for homeowners. If you notice carpenter bees buzzing around your property, you may be wondering – what attracts these insects … Read more
Pennsylvania is home to over 400 bee species, from tiny sweat bees to giant carpenter bees. While most bees play important roles as pollinators, some of the larger species can become nuisance pests for homeowners. Keep reading to learn about the 10 biggest bee species you’re likely to encounter buzzing around Pennsylvania. 1. Eastern Carpenter … Read more
We find that some bees are far more prone to swarming that others. If you make splits by propagating these swarmy bees, you are promoting this negative trait. You want to start your beekeeping journey with bees that are bred for their resistance to swarming. All our queens and nucs are bred specifically to reduce … Read more
Dealing with bees around your home can be frustrating and even dangerous. Getting stung is no fun, and large bee infestations can do serious damage to your property. The good news is that in many cases, you can get bee removal services for free or very low cost if you know where to look. Here … Read more
Bees and wasps are important to the environment and have interesting behaviors, so they have a special place in the world of insects. This blog aims to explore and compare three distinct species: carpenter bees, honey bees, and wasps. These buzzing creatures play critical roles in pollination, hive construction, and predator control. All three are … Read more
Honey bees are amazing creatures that live together in large colonies of up to 60,000 individuals As social insects, they work cooperatively to build comb, raise young bees, store food, and protect the hive But sometimes, when a colony gets too crowded or prepares to reproduce, a fascinating natural phenomenon occurs – swarming! During swarming, … Read more