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Bees

PinkypooPinkypoo Posts: 32
in Wildlife gardening

Hello All

Over the last few weeks I have notcied a lot of dead bees around some of my plants. I was just wondering if this is normal!?

They sort of go dopey and then I find them dead the next day. I have no idea why this is happening I dont treat the plants with anything and they are just every day garden plants. Bit worried!

Thank you!

 

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Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    They may well be male bees that have mated. Male bees die after mating.

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923

    they may be victims of the wet weather or they could be the bees that went thru the winter in the hive and they're dying of old age as the new bees hatch.

  • PinkypooPinkypoo Posts: 32

    Oh that is sad but I guess that is how the bee world works. Thank you all for your help!

  • HappygirlHappygirl Posts: 19

    They may also be sufferers of the deadly insecticides containing neonicotinoids that although are banned in farming in some parts of Europe, are still used in the UK.  It is a massive problem for our bees. I've added a link in case anyone is interested...

    http://www.soilassociation.org/wildlife/bees/beeresearch

  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    All of the above is true, however i have given some of the dopey ones a drink of sugar solution (a pop bottle top will do) and a sheltered spot, this seems to revive some of them, havent got a clue if im doing right or wrong, but this what my grandad did x
  • Gillian53Gillian53 Posts: 112
    Yep a sugary drink helps when they are wet, tired or the temperature drops. Some sadly, are just worn out.

    I've read not to feed diluted honey as this could spread disease.
  • Mrs GMrs G Posts: 336

    Glad you asked this as I have noticed the same thing in my garden.

  • ClaringtonClarington Posts: 4,949

    I found a dead bee this morning in my garden - it appears to have succumbed part way through feasting on a pollen laiden plant!

  • Percy-GrowerPercy-Grower Posts: 253

    I went on a bee forum as i had a nest at the side of my pond, was told they eject dead and dying bees out the nest, i have found four in my pond so far, but the really sad thing was they told me most of them will die out in the wider environment as they are worn out and cant make it home..image

  • Natter JackNatter Jack Posts: 11

    Hi Pinkypoo,

    When you started this thread were you talking about honey bees or bumble bees?

    Clarington - sometimes when you see a dead bee on a flower its because it has been ambushed and killed by a crab spider, or other predatory insects like assassin bugs. These are well camouflaged to lay in wait on flowers. Crab spiders can be found in pure white, bright yellow, or lime green morphs, enabling them to wait motionless on the same coloured parts of the flower to embrace visiting insects in a kiss of death.

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