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
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