It’s difficult to tell whether the bees are struggling with a shortage of nectar, but there do seem to be a few clues.
When flowers are scarce, they venture into places they don’t normally visit, searching for something sweet.
It’s a little different from us making a trip all the way to Kuma Kogen for cake, of course, but somehow, I think we can relate.
At times like these, they might even venture inside our bee van to lick up the last traces of nectar left on the frames. They may visit flowers they would normally ignore, or sneak into a neighboring hive in an attempt to steal some honey.
They’re pretty desperate.
This time of year is the last big push to gather provisions for winter.
Our forager bees are making the most of their remaining days, putting their wits to work and tirelessly carrying on with their duties, as if this were their final assignment before their lives come to an end.
We generally try not to interfere. If we offer a little supplemental feed and it disappears quickly, we may give them some more.
But this is where we need to be careful.
We’re only trying to feed them, yet if they mistake us for thieves coming to steal their honey, things can get rather complicated.
Suddenly, we find ourselves surrounded by angry bees, wondering, “Hey, why are you so mad?!”
And there are still plenty of hornets around. Quite a few bees are falling victim to them, so from time to time, a colony can be rather on edge.
If we come rushing in, all unprepared, and pop open the hive lid with a cheerful, “All right, girls, dinner time!” we’re quite likely to get ourselves into trouble.
We find ourselves saying, “Sorry, sorry!” and hurrying to finish the job as quickly as possible.
But that very haste only makes the bees even more upset than they need to be.
I’m really sorry, girls!