What Attracts Bees?

In recent years, environmental groups have been placing a heavy emphasis on the importance of protecting bees because they are excellent pollinators. Unfortunately, certain species of bees are endangered. Bees play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, but they’re sometimes feared because they have the ability to sting. Fortunately, the varieties of bees (honeybees and bumblebees) that do the most pollinating are not particularly aggressive. By becoming more educated about the different bee species and learning what attracts them, property owners can better manage and cultivate bee populations safely.

Whether you’re looking to find ways to attract bees to your bee-friendly garden or you’re looking for more information about how to keep bees away from your household, this article contains all the details you need to know about what attracts bees.

What do bees eat?

Native bees drink nectar from flowering plants. Because of this, bees can sometimes be attracted to sweet, sugary foods and drinks. If you’ve ever attended an outdoor gathering during warm months, chances are, you’ve probably seen honeybees and bumblebees buzzing around unattended fruit and opened soft drinks. At picnics or cookouts, it’s best to keep potential food sources covered to avoid bees that may not be welcome.

When are bees most active?

Because different species of plants bloom at various times, and temperatures vary from year to year, it can be hard to predict “bee season.” That said, bees start to become more active in early spring and stay busy throughout the warm months. Bees are overwintering pests, so once the weather starts to cool off in fall, you’ll likely notice a decrease in bee activity.