Helping struggling bees

66Mustang
66Mustang Online Community Member Posts: 14,993 Championing
in Coffee lounge

You might notice bees on the ground that look to be on their last legs. All they need is a little energy boost and within 30 seconds they perk up. It's actually quite amazing!! I imagine their metabolism is much different and can tap into the energy much quicker than ours can.

I have a tiny vial on my keyring with a sugar mixture in it. When I come across a tired bee I give them some… they only need a minute amount, dipping a blade of grass into it is more than enough.

I know I'm a looney, but it gives me a nice feeling helping tired friends out, as they help us 😊

buzzy bee.jpg

Comments

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 11,789 Championing

    Thank you for sharing this information. @66Mustang I love bees.

  • Charlie_Scope
    Charlie_Scope Posts: 159 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    It’s amazing how such a small act of kindness can make such a big difference. I love the idea of carrying a tiny sugar vial, like a superhero for bees! I imagine you get such a nice feeling from doing it too.

    Thanks for sharing this, it genuinely made me smile. The world needs more thoughtful moments like this 😊

  • Hopeless
    Hopeless Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 791 Empowering

    I went to tidy an unused hedgehog house a couple of weeks ago and discovered a nest of Early Bumblebees! Obviously my tidying has been postponed and I’m leaving them in peace

  • Santosha12
    Santosha12 Online Community Member Posts: 1,223 Pioneering
    edited May 31
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/135116/helping-struggling-bees
    20250531_124919.jpg

    Thank you for sharing this @66Mustang, I have one too. I just love bees so much and they're very much needed.

    For advice the RSPB have good advice on their website. You can use sugar (2 parts) and water (1 part) but like 66Mustang has done, only a drop is needed otherwise the bee could end up a sticky mess and would be harmed.

    Also never leave out sugared water as even though it sounds like it makes sense to help them this way, bacteria can breed quickly in it which the bee can take back and kill all the hive πŸ˜ͺπŸ˜ͺ.

    When bees are just resting they'll often rest for c 30 minutes. I helped one last week, put it on a piece of bark using a leaf and then near the flowers. It flew soon after; I just struggled to get back up πŸ˜…. Be careful and use something (sleeve/leaf etc) gently so it's stingers don't get you.

    Your post has reminded me I need to start planting more and I might plan a little critters hotel 😊

  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 16,926 Championing

    Good to see you posting @66Mustang 😊

  • 66Mustang
    66Mustang Online Community Member Posts: 14,993 Championing

    Thank you everyone for the lovely comments 😊 🐝

    For @Hopeless (I know you said bumblebees but just in case you were mistaken or for the future) and anyone else who might benefit: if you ever come across a nest of honey bees, it's relatively easy to contact a beekeeper to come and take them away for free without harming them. The beekeeper gets a free swarm, and you get rid of your squatters πŸ‘

  • michael57
    michael57 Online Community Member Posts: 1,425 Championing

    When we were on the farm working we would plant echium seeds they are a bee magnet when in flower

  • Otteline
    Otteline Online Community Member Posts: 30 Connected

    I love bees! This show is a must watch for anyone with an interest in bees:

    https://www.channel5.com/show/the-secret-life-of-bees

    I'm not sure if the link works but it's available on catch up on Channel 5. 'The secret life of bees'.

    I have loads of bees and butterflies in my wildlife friendly garden. It's so relaxing just watching the bees flit between the flower heads. Lovely little creatures.

  • Hopeless
    Hopeless Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 791 Empowering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1033418#Comment_1033418

    They’re definitely bumbles and are behaving themselves beautifully 🐝❀️

  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,093 Championing

    Nice to see you posting @66Mustang I always help bees this way

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