Swarming season

It's been a while since our last post. The calendar says spring is on the run and summer is right behind but it sometimes feel like winter won't let go. Talking to some folks, this past winter has been a hard one for our foraging friends. Honey stores are down and the harsh weather's toll has been significant for some. For others, they fared well with little to no losses from the rain, wind and dearth of blossoms and nectar.

It's getting on swarming season and folks are calling about unwanted bees in their back yards. So far I've removed one from a house in town and caught one in trap, while another got away because I didn' t secure it well, and have two houses that will be free of bees soon. It's getting busy for sure! Check out You Tube for some video action on different ways folks collect collect swarms.
collect swarms

 Meanwhile, later today,  I'm doing a presentation on pollinators and pesticides at 2pm in the Kapaa Library. The Wailua Kapaa Neighborhood Association invited Wainiha organic gardener Caren Diamond and myself to discuss the impacts of pesticides on our pollinating friends and our environment. Should be good and I thank the WKNA for helping KBee get the word out about the harmful effects of pesticides on Kauai bees.