If You Plant It, The Bees Will Come

bee friendly plants

If You Plant It, The Bees Will Come This is the time of year when even those without a gift for gardening start to think about what they can grow to make their landscapes beautiful. Whether planting herbs, vegetables, or a variety of flora, everyone wants to look out their window and see something natural…

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How Californians Manage Bee Swarm Clusters

bee swarm bee cluster

How Californians Manage Bee Swarm Clusters The first thing people do when they see a bee cluster is panic. Nobody understands this better than local beekeepers who get loads of calls this time of year. The spring and summer months are popular for swarming, but when people aren’t used to the sight, they can often…

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The Study of Bees

study of bees bee biology

The Study of Bees The study of bugs is entomology, and the specialized field of study that focuses on bees is apiology. Entomology studies more than 1 million insect species, while apiology explores the social behaviors, patterns, cognitive abilities, and ecological impact of bees. Although there is some crossover since bees are not the only…

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Purple Honey Offers a Natural Surprise

purple honey beekeeper fresh honey

Purple Honey Offers a Natural Surprise Although most people have seen a variety of golden hues in honey, few can say they have seen or even tasted purple honey. Purple honey is a gift from Mother Nature and is exclusively harvested in the South. Honey actually comes in a wide range of colors depending on…

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The Impactful, But Short Lives of Bees

Bees Looking Over Edge

The Impactful, But Short Lives of Bees The life of a bee greatly depends on the species, and more specifically, the role of the individual bee. Of the 20,000-plus bee species now recognized, lifespans vary, and it would be nearly impossible to address all the different species. Learning about some of the most common species…

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Is Every Bee Cluster a Swarm?

bee swarming

Is Every Bee Cluster a Swarm? Seeing a cluster of bees on your property can stop you in your tracks. Most people immediately think it must be a swarm, but the truth is not every bee cluster is actually a swarm. Some are, and some aren’t. Knowing the difference can alleviate stress or concern and…

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