When honeybees first emerge in the spring, they are very hungry and in desperate need of protein. In addition, they are eager to build up their population for the expected honey flow and queen bees require protein in order to begin laying eggs. Pollen is the main source of protein in a bee's diet. Sometimes the bees emerge before natural sources are available, especially if it is unusually warm early in the spring.. When this happens, they often turn to bird feeders for the next best protein source-fine dust and oil on bird seed. They are not looking to build a nest in your feeder; they just want pollen.
If this is a problem for you, the best solution is to wait a few days; the bees will leave feeders alone when early sources of pollen-poplars and pussywillows-appear. If you do not want to wait, place another pollen substitute such as soyflower or horse grain with molasses in a shallow dish away from the feeder and people traffic. The bees will go to that instead. If you know of beekeepers in your area, you may wish to inform them that their bees are at your feeder. Most will be glad to know and they can supply a pollen substitute near the hives for their bees.
What do you do when bees are attracted to your hummingbird feeder.
Most hummingbird feeders now come equipped with "bee guards" or deep nectar wells. The philosophy behind these features is that a hummingbird beak is longer than a bee or hornet proboscis (tongue). If your feeder does not have a built-in bee guard, you can make your own by placing fine wire mesh around the feeder nozzle.
If you are interested in more information about this useful insect, one book on the subject is, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
The increased interest in the natural world in general and gardening in particular has increased the desire on the part of people to identify the insects they see. The Cooperative Extension of the University of New Hampshire is prepared to help. They offer a service of insect and tick identification. Information on how to proceed can be obtained on their website: www.ceinfo.unh.edu/Agric/AGPDTS/ArthroID.htm along with forms to submit an insect, tick, or other arthropod for identification. If you have questions or do not have web access, call the Plant Biology Department at 603-862-3200 and talk to the secretary for the University of New Hampshire entomologists. If you use their services, be prepared to pay a small fee.
Gardeners who find plant damage and wonder who or what caused it will find help at the UNH Cooperative Extension Family, Home and Garden Education Center. Their toll-free information line is 1-877-398-4769 and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. year-round. They also have a walk-in clinic in Manchester. Call the toll-free number for more information. In addition to dealing with pest problems, they are prepared to answer questions about gardens, lawns and landscapes, food safety and food preservation, tree planting and care, and water quality. For more information on tick identification, see the Tick Information page. For more information on spiders, see the Spiders page.
If you have noticed an unusually large congregation of ladybugs at your house recently, you are not alone. In 1996, callers began reporting huge numbers of ladybugs gathering on their houses on warm fall days.
It turns out that a new species of ladybug is appearing in New Hampshire. This species was brought from Asia to the United States in 1977 and released as a biological predator control. The ladybugs feed on aphids that can cause damage to certain orchard fruits and vegetable crops. Their population has spread gradually and is just now appearing in New Hampshire.
During the fall, these Halloween Ladybugs, as they are commonly called, seek sheltered places to overwinter. Once a suitable location is found, the ladybugs emit a scent called a pheromone which attracts other ladybugs to the area resulting in an even larger cluster of these beetles in one spot.
If the cluster occurs on the outside of your house, they will eventually move away on their own. However, sometimes they find a way inside. They are not harmful and will not cause damage. If you prefer not to play host, sweep them up and release them outside. To prevent them from getting in, carefully seal all cracks around windows and doors and cover openings into your house. They are attracted to sources of light so pay special attention to ceiling cracks and crevices, lighted windows, and outdoor light fixtures.
Because of the predator control value of these insects to orchards and crops, we recommend a capture and release program rather than extermination. In the spring, their presence will help to minimize aphid damage in your yard and garden.
The increased interest in the natural world and the spread of lyme disease has increased the desire on the part of people to identify the ticks they may be horrified to find on themselves after being outdoors. The Cooperative Extension of the University of New Hampshire is prepared to help. They offer a service of insect and tick identification. Information on how to proceed can be obtained on their website: www.ceinfo.unh.edu/Agric/AGPDTS/ArthroID.htm along with forms to submit an insect, tick, or other arthropod for identification. If you have questions or do not have web access, call the Plant Biology Department at 603-862-3200 and talk to the secretary for the University of New Hampshire entomologists. If you use their services, be prepared to pay a small fee.
The Cooperative Extension web site also has an online publication with excellent information about ticks, ceinfo.unh.edu/Pubs/HGPubs/TicksNH.pdf, including color photographs. (Other useful information about Home and Garden subjects is also available on the Corporate Extension web page .)
Tick identification is also available at the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food Division of Plant Industry, State Lab Building, Lab D, 6 Hazen Drive, Concord NH 03301. Their telephone number is 271-2561. If you decide to mail the tick to them rather than deliver it to their door, please place it in a 70% or higher alcohol solution and use a crush-proof container. There is no charge for this service. Keep in mind that although they are able to identify whether it is a dog or deer tick, they do not test for lyme disease.
Do you have a question about birds or some other aspect of nature (animals, plants, insects, etc.) not answered here?
New Hampshire Audubon has a corps of Volunteer Naturalists that can help. Submit your question below along with your contact information and we will find your answer!
Bees at your bird feeder?
