EXPLORING NATURE: BEES

I know bees should be my good buddies. I am aware they pollinate plants and provide tasty honey.

But I could really do without a bunch currently dining on the sugarwater feeder which hangs on my back deck. After all, this feeder was meant for hummingbirds.

But it takes a brave hummer to fly in for a sip when there are buzzing bees all around.

I think there are feeders which do a better job of keeping bees out and will check on my next visit to the hardware store. Until then, I will take comfort in hoping I am helping a species that is currently in big trouble.

According to the Bee Conservatory, one in four bees is in danger of extinction, being killed by climate change, toxic pollution and pesticides. To help remedy the situation, people are urged to grow a flower garden with blossoms for bees to find nectar.

There are some 4,000 native bee species in North America and 800 in Texas. Our most common Texas species are bumble, carpenter, squash, leafcutter, sweat and mason bees.

You may also recall the invasion of Africanized “killer” bees that were hostile and tended to sting in swarms when disturbed. Most bees lose their stinger once it is used, but wasps can sting repeatedly.

The Bee Conservatory reports bees are responsible for one in three bites of food by virtue of their helpful pollination. Some farmers pay to have bees brought to their fields to help with pollination of plants and trees.

I wish I could lease out the swarm of bees around my hummingbird feeder.

In fact, I’ll gladly give them to anyone who will take them away.