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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Not so much bees, but I have noticed an uptick in fireflies the past few years which I have enjoyed.
Opposite situation here. I’ve seen literally 1 so far this year. A decade ago we would’ve been seeing thousands a night.
A decade ago I barely saw any. Two decades ago, there would be nights where you could see by the amount of light the absolute insane number of them would put out. Now, I’m seeing a decent amount, nothing like 20 years ago, but way better than it used to be.
I used to see them every year, but I haven’t seen one in something like eight years now.
Yes, I’ve noticed those too. There are so many of those here it’s like being inside a fantasy background.
I wonder if this is related to the fact that I’ve seen quite a bit more native bees in my neighbourhood. (I’m in South America mind you.) And people freaking out because they look like wasps.
Are they friendly/nonvenomous down there?
I believe that most of the native species here don’t even sting, and if you annoy them they’ll flock around you and… that’s it, like a bunch of kids calling you meanie. Or at least the ones that look like wasps, like this:
I’ve seen quite a bit more of those this winter.
How do they defend a hive if not for the ability to sting?
They* technically can bite you, but the bite doesn’t hurt, so it’s likely only effective against other really small critters. They can also release some sort of glue, kind of annoying if they do it while tangling in your hair, but harmless.
I wonder if their visual similarity to wasps isn’t some form of defence on its own, as mimicry. They also seem to build nests in places where they won’t get into trouble with mammals, like inside the hollows of tall trees. And that opening “tube” is closed off at night.
*from some websearch I could find one slightly more dangerous species, called “tataíra” or “abelha de fogo” (lit. fire bee). Even then it’s just spitting formic acid, like ants would; and mostly used not against larger critters, but while pillaging beehives of other species.
No, but if you are, I’d call it an encouraging sign.
Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so sweet :(
I drive the same way on holiday every year. I noticed that, for the first time in recent years, there’s a massive uptick in insects on the windscreen this year. Might be because it’s cooler and insects living in a lower air layer.
Lucky you, it’s been hot for us in the snow belt. Another reason I’d trade places with someone.
They cut down on using pesticides which are harmful to bees in my area, so there’s tons of honeybees and bumble bees buzzing about… Maybe they cut down on using those pesticides in yours? It makes me happy to see all the bees because without them, three quarters of crops which produce food for us wouldn’t be viable! Respect the bees. 🐝
I definitely respect them, I just wish they didn’t think I was a flower.
Do you wear a lot of purple, violet and blue? Bees are naturally drawn to those hues because to bees, those are the most rewarding flower colors, and they probably see you as a giant flower!
