Have you recently discovered dead bees in your yard and are curious as to why this is the case? The answer to “why are there dying bees in my yard?’ may not be as sinister or worrying as you think.
There are several reasons why you might find lifeless bees on the grass, around plants, and under trees. Let’s take a look at them to understand the truth behind the phenomena.
Is It Normal to Find Dead Bees in My Yard?
Finding anywhere between several to a dozen or so bees in your yard is a normal occurrence. The reason for the bees dying could be any of the following:
- Insecticides
- The end of the bees’ life cycle
- Hygienic routine for the bee colony
- Parasite or disease
You can investigate further by answering these questions:
- Is it a bee or a bumblebee?
- Are there any strange markings, such as bites or webbing?
- How many have died?
It’s not uncommon to mistake a bumblebee for a honeybee and get worried that a beneficial insect species is dying. A bumblebee is different in that it’s fatter and has a rounder shape, and they appear to have more fur than a honey bee. If it’s a bumblebee, then it’s likely explained by a natural end-of-life cycle, especially if they appear in groups.
Bumblebees have a relatively shorter lifespan and tend to make their homes in trees, gardens, and yards. When bumblebees die they’re ‘put out’ of the nest as a sort of hygienic process.
Why Are Bees Dying in My Yard?
Finding dying bees in your garden or yard shouldn’t be alarming if they’re fewer than a dozen or so. Like bumblebees, there are several reasons why they appear to be dead or lying on the ground.
Honey bees and similar insects have the same hygienic process as bumblebees. They will remove dead insects out of the nest to prevent the spread of disease and parasites. Depending on where they made their nest, you might find dead bees around your house which shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
Bees dying in your yard is a common phenomenon during the winter season. The term ‘winter mortality’ is used whenever a bee dies due to freezing temperatures, although a significant portion of them should be able to live through the cold season.
Colonies might have trouble dealing with inclement weather, and dozens of these bees might get caught up in bad weather while out foraging for nectar or food. The experience is likely to occur when there’s a snowstorm, for example.
Pesticides and predator attacks are also likely reasons why you see dying bees outside your home. Also, there’s a certain tree that stands out when it comes to bees appearing dying or sluggish.
Lime trees are notorious for inducing a sluggish effect in bees, with some getting killed because they fed too much of the lime tree’s nectar. However, stronger and healthier bees should be able to survive the feeding without too much problem.
What to Do If You See Dying Bees in Your Yard
It’s best not to assume that a bee on the ground is dying- it could be resting or tired after doing tedious work. You can wait a few seconds up to a minute to see the bee will pick itself up and fly away back to its nest.
If after a few minutes the bee lies motionless on the ground, give it a gentle poke using a stick. No response means you’ll have to do a bit of cleanup to keep your yard clean and avoid the possible spreading of parasites or diseases.
You can try to locate the bees’ nest to find out where they live and make adequate adjustments to ensure the rest survive.
Clean up the debris around the area by picking up dead branches, twigs, and leaves and disposing of them properly. You should also clean up the dead bees so the others won’t be infected.
Dying Bees in My Yard: Conclusion
Remember, finding one or two dying bees is a normal occurrence, but if you find dozens at a time then you should check your yard for the presence of a predator or a possible localized disease.
If you suspect pesticides, then it’s recommended that you immediately stop using them and take up alternative and natural means.
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