I have lived in eastern Kentucky for 9 years and have only seen one honeybee the entire time. This year I have seen hundreds- maybe thousands. Has anyone else noticed an increase in honeybees this year? Are they making a comeback?

-- Gayle in KY (gayleannesmith@yahoo.com), April 13, 2002

Answers

Oh, Gayle, I hope so. Wouldn't it be nice to get some good environmental news for a change?

A moderately related question: I read today in an old source (1910) that honey made from Kalmia (mountain laurel) probably is poisonous. Does anyone know whether or not there's any truth to that?

-- Audie (paxtours@alaska.net), April 13, 2002.

You can thank your new local beekeeper. Feral honeybees are not, as yet, making a comeback.

-- Laura (laauramleek@yahoo.com), April 14, 2002.

Yes, the information that I have read so far (too many books to list) regarding beekeeping says that honey made from mountain laurel is definately poisonous to humans. FYI. Have a great day.

-- jonathan (jonathan_sz@yahoo.com), April 14, 2002.

it depends on your area,, some local feral bees are making a come back,, I think it depends on how much interaction the feral bees have with kept bees. And there are some honeys that are toxic,, but there usually are a spring honey,which the bees use up pretty quick, so, unbless you collect a spring crop of honey, in certain areas in the south,, its no worry.

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), April 14, 2002.

I live in central VA and have seen wild honeybees this spring,but in my area there is little so called big time farming with alot of sprays etc so thats probably the reason.

-- Gary (burnett_gary@msn.com), April 14, 2002.

On our property is an old, small house. Since moving here 5 years ago, there have always been honeybees flying in and out of the walls of this old house. Lots of them. I don't know why the bees in this old house have not been affected by the mites. I was talking to a guy who lived next door when he was a kid, and he said that honeybees lived in the walls of this old house when he was a kid. They are very gentle as I mow right by them and they don't get riled up at all. We haven't torn this house down, just so these honeybees can go on living there.

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), April 14, 2002.

Just a note- My first thought about the bees was that someone had started raising bees, but I have asked many people around here and nobody knows of anyone that raises bees within 20 miles of here. And they know EVERYBODY'S business:^)

-- Gayle in KY (gayleannesmith@yahoo.com), April 14, 2002.

yeah we've seen a huge jump in the honey bees this year--but it could be because a local farm might have some bee hives, but we really aren't sure. they're everywhere tho.......

-- C (punk_chicadee@yahoo.com), April 14, 2002.

Over the last 3 years there has been an increase in the wild ones here in South Indiana. I know of at least 5 old trees that have active hives that wern't there a few years ago. There are a lot of beekeepers around, so I would imagine they are from swarms that have gotten away.

I've seen quite a difference in the colors and markings on individual bees. I don't know enough about 'em to know what that means tho.

-- John (jdoofus@hotmail.com), April 14, 2002.

Found a bee tree this spring on our place.My cousin has two hives in a old house on his place. indiana Country Friend Jack Bunyard

-- Jack Bunyard (bunyard@cnz.com), April 15, 2002.

I haven't had a chance to go out looking for a bee tree, yet, but all of your reports are certainly encouraging. Thank you for writing in.

-- Gayle in KY (gayleannesmith@yahoo.com), April 15, 2002.