[Blog] Honey Bees. (2) Steps to help our local endangered species.

Every August and September Southwestern Ontario is occupied by a plethora of flying insect populations. We’re all well aware, it’s not front page news. However, something massive exists within our environment that is immediately related to, and affected by our actions here. Repercussions for choosing the wrong course of actions however, can have a global impact. Identifying the Honey Bee and knowing what to do is the best way to ensure you choose the most positive course of action possible. Of all the flying insect intruders that inundate our summer lives, surely the most loathed of all are the Stinging Insects. However, today we are going to take a moment prior to the peak season to attempt to provide some qualifying factors you can use to help you identify whether or not the stinging insect you’re dealing with plays an important part in the local pollination process. Honey Bees in particular are an endangered species and are protected by environmental laws.

• Identification. -Big Black Eyes. -Golden yellow fuzzy area between wings and dusty black rear end. -Gather in large groups called a swarm. Swarms occur while drone bees search for a new harborage or hive location.

• What to do if you find Honey Bees.First identify why honey bees are in the area. If you can identify a swarm, then there is a good chance they are only there to rest while attempting to find new harborage. In most cases swarms will relocate within (36) hours. In cases where swarm does not relocate a Bee Keeper should be contacted in an attempt to save as much of the population as possible. Beekeepers can properly identify whether a population of Honey Bees can be saved. In only the most extreme cases a pesticide can be used to eliminate threatening populations. In situations where a swarm does not exist in there is a good chance populations are pollinating gardens in the area. So in no cases should pesticides be applied around flowering plant life. If applied incorrectly residual ingredients could harm pollinating insects for weeks post-application. Given that Carpenter Bees and Bumble Bees both pollinate as well, a professional should in all cases employ pesticide applications.Let us know if we helped!Like Us on Facebook! We greatly appreciate your support!www.facebook.com/thebugguysca