Every Little Thing is Gonna Bee Alright

Good morning, Beekeepers!

​     I've been hearing that our "90 Days of January" has some of you down and you are worried about your little mason bees. Please don't worry.

    Mason bees have survived changes in climate for millions of years. This year's cold spring temperatures mean they can't get out and pollinate as soon as WE might like, but it's not unusual for them to still be asleep in their cocoons right now - especially the females. Most of my females have not yet emerged even though they have been outside since mid-March.

     We had some warm days last week and we saw lots of bee activity then it turned cold and some of you thought your bees left. Remember that bees are cold-blooded which means that when the temperature drops, their metabolism slows and they literally can't fly or really even move. Most likely, your bees are asleep in one of your nesting tubes or under a leaf somewhere nearby just waiting for their bodies to warm up enough to get back to flying, mating, and laying eggs.

     After tonight's frost, the weather is supposed to be in the 60s and 70s with nighttime lows in the 40s and 50s (in Central Indiana.) Your bees may be getting a late start, but very soon they will emerge and do their important work. I promise!

     If your cocoons blew out of the nesting box or were snacked on by birds, I still have a few dozen left in my fridge. I need them to be out by May 1st so email me if you want more. I will ship them free in Indiana.

     Enjoy your bees, send me photos, and be sure to email with questions!

     Heather

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