Bees in my tree - Ask Extension
I have bees flying around a tree in my yard and landing on the leaves. They do not seem aggressive. They are not a swarm and there is no queen that I ...
Knowledgebase
Bees in my tree #770116
Asked August 31, 2021, 6:11 PM EDT
I have bees flying around a tree in my yard and landing on the leaves. They do not seem aggressive. They are not a swarm and there is no queen that I have seen. I live in Apple Valley. Is this normal for this time off year? How long will they fly around my tree.
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
We can't be sure what's attracting the bees without seeing them and inspecting the leaves.
However, what you have described often occurs when trees are infested by aphids or scale insects. Aphids and scales secrete honeydew which attracts ants, flies, hornets, wasps and bees.
https://images.app.goo.gl/NwdwBPzaVWUdmpKSA
https://kentuckypestnews.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/copious-amounts-of-honeydew-produced-by-sugarcane-aphids-attracts-bees-and-other-insects-do-we-need-to-be-worried/
However, what you have described often occurs when trees are infested by aphids or scale insects. Aphids and scales secrete honeydew which attracts ants, flies, hornets, wasps and bees.
https://images.app.goo.gl/NwdwBPzaVWUdmpKSA
https://kentuckypestnews.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/copious-amounts-of-honeydew-produced-by-sugarcane-aphids-attracts-bees-and-other-insects-do-we-need-to-be-worried/
How long will they last? Will the bees reduce with colder weather?
-----Original Message-----
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: John Reily <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wed, Sep 1, 2021 11:16 am
Subject: Re: Bees in my tree (#0040047)
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: John Reily <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wed, Sep 1, 2021 11:16 am
Subject: Re: Bees in my tree (#0040047)
Two or three weeks is usual, but weather plays a part. Warm weather extends the activity. It winds down faster when it's cool.
Wasps and hornets (bees) that feed most actively on honeydew disappear after frost. They may leave the tree sooner depending how long the aphids or scales produce honeydew.
Thank you very much. I will monitor the situation and hope for the best.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: John Reily <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Sun, Sep 5, 2021 11:39 am
Subject: Re: Bees in my tree (#0040047)
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: John Reily <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Sun, Sep 5, 2021 11:39 am
Subject: Re: Bees in my tree (#0040047)
