I started my new hive 2 weeks ago with packaged bees. My hive is an old one that came from an acquaintance. It had been sitting empty for a while so I cleaned it up, painted it, and replaced all the foundation.
The primary reason I wanted bees was for pollination. I started a garden last year and realized I hardly saw any bees. We had some bumble bees and a few small ones I call sweat bees, but I realized I hadn't seen a honeybee in years. I've read about the bee disappearances and have always been fascinated by honeybees so finally convinced my husband since I had access to a hive already.
We have 6 1/2 acres and I read what bees like year-round and scouted around and think we are pretty good for keeping them happy. We are agricultural but there aren't any crops around, mostly an occasional not so well-tended orchard. There are homes with landscaping all within easy reach. We have a small pond for water and are surrounded by trees on three sides.
But then I wonder if we have such a great place for bees, why haven't I seen any? We have carpenter bees aplenty, bumble bees, and occasional yellow jacket nests. But no honey bees. Is the honeybee shortage THAT bad? When I was cleaning out my hive a month or so ago, I was visited by honeybees and was shocked. Where have they been and why have they never visited before? They disappeared again after that day. I was so excited to see them and sad to see them go.
I watch my bees and they come out, go up, and take off over the trees. Where on earth are they going? They come back with loads of pollen from someplace. I had a large weeping cherry in full bloom when they arrived but never saw them near it. I even went out and bought them flowers they are supposed to like and none of them visit them. Since we have so few (as in none) honeybees, I'm thinking I can support many more hives on my property. Or maybe honeybees just hate our property. Thoughts?
The primary reason I wanted bees was for pollination. I started a garden last year and realized I hardly saw any bees. We had some bumble bees and a few small ones I call sweat bees, but I realized I hadn't seen a honeybee in years. I've read about the bee disappearances and have always been fascinated by honeybees so finally convinced my husband since I had access to a hive already.
We have 6 1/2 acres and I read what bees like year-round and scouted around and think we are pretty good for keeping them happy. We are agricultural but there aren't any crops around, mostly an occasional not so well-tended orchard. There are homes with landscaping all within easy reach. We have a small pond for water and are surrounded by trees on three sides.
But then I wonder if we have such a great place for bees, why haven't I seen any? We have carpenter bees aplenty, bumble bees, and occasional yellow jacket nests. But no honey bees. Is the honeybee shortage THAT bad? When I was cleaning out my hive a month or so ago, I was visited by honeybees and was shocked. Where have they been and why have they never visited before? They disappeared again after that day. I was so excited to see them and sad to see them go.
I watch my bees and they come out, go up, and take off over the trees. Where on earth are they going? They come back with loads of pollen from someplace. I had a large weeping cherry in full bloom when they arrived but never saw them near it. I even went out and bought them flowers they are supposed to like and none of them visit them. Since we have so few (as in none) honeybees, I'm thinking I can support many more hives on my property. Or maybe honeybees just hate our property. Thoughts?