Q: I was finally sitting outside last week with my soda and had up to five aggressive bees wanting my beverage. Yikes! They even have a memory cause the next day without my beverage, they were still checking me out! I also noticed them in my recycle bin. I donβt remember this happening before. Is anything different going on?
A:Β The main thing going on this year is a slightly colder winter. Honeybees overwinter in their hives to keep warm and feed on the honey they stored during the warmer months. On nice days, they are as likely to get outside as you are and they will also partake in a sweet beverage. Since not as many flowering plants are available in the winter, you may see honeybees in recycle bins where food and drink residues may be found in addition to having some competition for your beverage.
As you exclaim, βcareful man, thereβs a beverage here,β be reminded that we all have to eat and a sugary beverage is a food source for a bee.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to
