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Has anyone else noticed an explosion of bees lately? (lemm.ee)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

44 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I might as well ask this since I got stung or bit by a bee yesterday during America day.

Last year, when taking strolls, it was rare enough for a bee to swarm around me that I could go whole strolls without it happening sometimes.

This year, they swarm around me everywhere. Everywhere. It's like fighting your way through putty patrollers. They respawn instantly, there's absolutely no lag. Shoo one away and one comes back five seconds later. Sometimes for three hour strolls encompassing six miles.

What the heck happened? Anyone else notice this?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (2 children)

What are they attracted to the most?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

flowers

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Well I knew that, but I mean what kind? Do they have preferences?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago

To some extent it depends on the species of bee. There are over 6000 species of bee in N. America. Planting for the benefit of bees is a thing, tho'. Honey bees are but one specie, and not native.

https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/bees.html

https://learnbees.com/best-flowers-for-bees/

https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/g32157369/flowers-that-attract-bees/

https://www.epicgardening.com/pollinator-garden-plants/

I've not vetted the above sites, but they should be sufficient to get your started on 'planting for pollinators.' It's not just about bees, there are many species that have symbiotic relationships with flowering plants.

Your's was a 'small question' about which which volumes been written. Generally it's best to plant native species of plants to attract pollinators in your local area. If you talk to a local greenhouse/ garden center, and/or master gardener's in your area that would also be helpful.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Bees are most attracted to purple/violet/blue flowers.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Maybe it's my hair that attracts them then.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

When I wear a red or orange shirt and sit outside, hummingbirds tend to come check me out. I wouldn't be too surprised if the same thing can happen with bees trying to figure out whether you're full of delicious nectar.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

They are all over my dill after it bolted and flowered

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago

Hmm... that might explain things. There's dill everywhere here.