Starving bees? - Ask Extension
A mass of honey bees overwhelmed three hummingbird feeders Friday and are still here Saturday. Appear to becoming from a hive about 12 feet up in the ...
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Starving bees? #847424
Asked August 26, 2023, 5:05 PM EDT
A mass of honey bees overwhelmed three hummingbird feeders Friday and are still here Saturday. Appear to becoming from a hive about 12 feet up in the cavity of an old oak tree. They've been up in the tree at least 10 years but I've never seen them do this before. Not aggressive. Just seem frantic for food. Is there something I can do to support the hive? Would appreciate any advice. Thank you!
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Carrie,
This is a very critical and difficult time of year for honey bees. We are at the driest part of the year and there is very little in bloom, but colonies are at peak populations. It can be helpful to include late blooming species in your garden, such as Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and sunflowers. The bees should settle down in a few months as temperatures start to fall below 55F.
Best,
Andony
This is a very critical and difficult time of year for honey bees. We are at the driest part of the year and there is very little in bloom, but colonies are at peak populations. It can be helpful to include late blooming species in your garden, such as Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and sunflowers. The bees should settle down in a few months as temperatures start to fall below 55F.
Best,
Andony
