Vegas Bees Stories About Honeybees and Bee Removal

Buzz, buzz! Did you know that honey bees are not just experts in producing sweet honey, but also in creating a sticky and useful substance called propolis? In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating process of how these busy bees make propolis and the many ways it benefits their hive.

First things first, what is propolis? It's a brownish, sticky material that bees make by mixing beeswax, tree resin, and other plant materials. They collect these goodies from trees and plants and then use their mandibles to shape and mix them into the desired form.

But why do bees make propolis? Well, there are many reasons! One primary use is to seal gaps and cracks in the hive, which helps keep it warm, dry, and free from predators and other pesky insects. Plus, propolis has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent natural defense against disease.

So, how do these clever little critters make propolis? It all starts with collecting resin from trees and plants, like poplar, birch, and conifer trees.

Once they have enough resin, the bees bring it back to their hive and add saliva and enzymes to break it down and make it pliable. Then, they use their mandibles to mix and shape the propolis into the desired form.

But the bees don't just stop there! Once they have created propolis, they use it in many ways within the hive. Besides sealing gaps and cracks, they also line the interior of the hive with it to keep it clean and free from bacteria and fungus.

But propolis isn't just useful for bees - humans have been using it for centuries for its medicinal properties, like treating sore throats, colds, flu, and even skin conditions like eczema and acne.

So, is propolis safe for humans? Yes, it generally is. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to it. Humans usually harvest propolis by scraping it off the frames of the hive, and it can be used in cooking, although it has a strong flavor and should be used sparingly.

In conclusion, honey bees are true geniuses of nature, creating not only honey but also the valuable substance of propolis. The next time you see a honey bee buzzing around, remember that they're not just busy making honey, but also creating a vital natural defense system for their hive. 

Las Vegas is home to a diverse range of honeybees, each with their unique temperaments. 

Despite facing challenging weather conditions, they still manage to thrive under the blue skies of Vegas. The attitude of these bees is relatable as it can mirror our moods on good and bad days.

Our experience shows that the majority of Las Vegas bees are docile and easy-going, which we fondly refer to as the "Friday Bees." They hardly seem bothered by our presence near their nests and rarely resist rescue efforts.

The "Wednesday Bees" are more complex in their temperament. While some are sweet and accommodating, others can be aggressive and may sting you, causing pain and discomfort. Nonetheless, with the right approach, we can still rescue them successfully.

However, the "Monday Bees" can be highly territorial and aggressive, and they will sting anyone who gets too close to their nest. During rescue efforts, they can also launch continuous attacks, causing exhaustion and frustration.

Thankfully, such instances are rare, and we always strive to complete the rescue process within two hours.

We believe that most of our Las Vegas bees are Africanized Honey Bees (AHB) to some extent, with the genes having been diluted over the years. Though AHB's notorious reputation is waning, we still respect their space and protect their habitats to ensure peaceful coexistence.

It is crucial to handle bee infestations with care and avoid any form of aggression towards them. Provoking them through spraying with water or other means can trigger their defensive instincts, and they may become aggressive towards humans.

Our client once poured water on a nest, and the bees retaliated, causing injury and a tense relationship between them. Therefore, it's essential to engage professional beekeepers to handle bee infestations safely and humanely.

In conclusion, the Las Vegas honeybees display varying temperaments, with some being friendly and others more challenging to handle. However, with the right approach, we can coexist with them peacefully.

We put our bees in the best Apimaye Beehives.

Bee populations are buzzing in trouble, and the cause is anything but simple. 

As beekeeping experts, we've seen it all, and we're here to tell you that in our opinion, pesticides are the number one enemy threatening the survival of honeybees.

Imagine this: you're a hardworking honeybee on a mission to pollinate our planet. You're flying around, collecting pollen, and BAM! You unknowingly land on a flower that's been sprayed with glyphosate, a harmful pesticide found in Roundup.

Suddenly, you're disoriented, and your navigation system is haywire. You can't find your way back to the hive, and you eventually die. That's what we're dealing with.

We need to take action against these pesticide-producing honey bee killers, or we risk losing not only our sweet, sweet honey production but also the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

As beekeepers, we're dedicated to protecting the welfare of our bees and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.

Let's face it; the world would be a healthier place without Roundup and glyphosate. We're not just beekeepers; we're environmental watchdogs on a mission to save the bees and the planet. Join us in our quest for a better, pesticide-free future.

One or more queen bees may exist in a bee colony. A new queen can emerge while the previous one is still alive in some instances, although this is uncommon. In this situation, two queen bees can oversee the entire colony until the first queen dies.

Honey kept in an airtight container never gets spoiled. So after being buried for nearly 3,300 years, sealed vats discovered in King Tut's tomb in Egypt contained delicious, sweet honey.

The boy king was fond of this precious treasure, and to be buried with it says a great deal. Nobody wants to go to the afterlife without a jar of honey. That is probably why Afterlife Honey is in high demand. Read about beekeeping in ancient Egypt.

 Did you know that at the peak of honey-gathering season, a single hive can be buzzing with up to 50,000 bees? That's a whole lot of busy bees working together to produce that sweet, golden honey we all love.

But when winter comes around, bees don't just hit snooze and hibernate like some animals do. Nope, they have to be smart and resourceful to survive the cold months ahead. Instead, they huddle together in a tight cluster inside their hive, keeping themselves and their queen warm by generating body heat. Talk about teamwork!

Of course, beekeepers like us at Vegas Bees want to make sure our little buddies stay cozy and comfortable all winter long. That's why we always make sure to insulate our hives during the chilly season.

After all, we want our bees to be happy and healthy so they can keep doing what they do best – making honey!

The best beehives for the cold are the Apimaye Bee Hives.

I am still afraid of bees, although it is considerably less today. I have dealt with this irrational anxiety for most of my life. It will take time to free myself from a fear I carried for over four decades.

I got into beekeeping because Betsy wanted a beehive. She was aware of my fear of bees, but she also knew I could overcome it one day. So I tried to avoid standing in the way of something she had wanted to do for many years.

She grew up living next to a beekeeper, Mrs. Breelove. Betsy would visit her and her bees often, which planted the beekeeping seed in her.

When we purchased our Joshua Tree Preserve, Betsy's first order of business was to buy a beehive and set it up there. Sadly, it sat vacant for almost a year.

On April 4, 2022, she received a package of Italian bees and added them to the beehive. We both wanted local bees, but they were not the least bit attracted to the box.

The Italian bees are flourishing and happy. They are well-stocked with honey, which they will need throughout the lack of summertime nectar and the long, chilly winter. They are friendly bees that we adore. We visit them every week and make sure they are doing well.

My phobia was slowly disappearing as I was exposed to these bees weekly. But, unfortunately, it would take me becoming a beekeeper's apprentice to bring my fear under control.

After saving a few hundred thousand bees in Las Vegas and several painful stings, I have come a long way. Thank you, Dave and Vegas Bees, for all your help!

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