Bee Gangs

[CapeCod]

Hello everyone  I am a new  beeginner this spring and  have  a question about bees and thier everyday activites.
My area here on cape(very close to the airport) has very few if any honey bees(A few bumbles and yellow jackets).
When the worker go out to forage do they travel in gangs ,,,will they over whelm my neigbhors the first year.
I got the starter kit and 3lbs of Italians from Nebees.com coming April 14th.
Thanks and many more to come.
Gary, Cape Cod Ma.

[Jerrymac]

My area here on cape has very few if any honey bees.
When the worker go out to forage do they travel in gangs ,,,will they over whelm my neigbhors the first year.

First thing that happens is scouts go out looking for food. When they find something they take a sample back to the hive and show everybody what they found and tell them where it is. Then a few others go out and find the spot and come back and tell the hive "yes it is there". The more that go out and return with something to show for it, the more bees go out after it until soon the foraging area is depleted and the traffic slows down. Any bee hive in the area has the same chance at the food source. I guess the stronger hive could end up with more of the food. Unless the smaller hive started earlier.

[Michael Bush]

>When the worker go out to forage do they travel in gangs ,,,will they over whelm my neigbhors the first year.

Not gathering nectar from flowers, no.  Sometimes when they are getting water, it appears that way.  Sometimes when they find a food source in a dearth, it appears that way.  Like syrup left out when nothing is blooming.

[indypartridge]

Hi CapeCod,

Have you looked into any local beekeeping clubs? Some of them offer beginning beekeeping classes. It's always a good idea to get hooked up with other beekeepers in your area.
http://www.massbee.org/beeschools.shtml

http://www.massbee.org/links.shtml

[Cindi]

Gary, first off, welcome to our forum.  You have found the right place to ask any question that your heart desires.  You will always have someone that will answer your posts.  This is a place where we all help each other out, and always, always remember.  There is never a question that you may feel is dumb and are afraid to ask, no question does not deserve an answer.  So, ask away.

Your bees will not go out in such high numbers, gangs, you have referred to them as, as to overwhelm your neighbours.  They may notice them, but unlikely that they will be bothered.

The fact that you want to work with bees and become a beekeeper is a wonderful thing.  You say there are no honeybees in your areas, only the bombus and yellowjackets. Well....many of your neighbours will have increased vegetables and such because of the pollination that your girls will provide to them.  That will be a boon to the neighbours.  You have a great day, and learn as much as you can about the life of the honeybee and how to manage them as you can.  Depend on this forum for a great source of intelligent information and rely on books too.  Welcome to our forum.  Cindi

[CBEE]

Look for a local bee keeping club. You may be suprized to find out how many people keep bees around you.

[KONASDAD]

When I first got bees, and I live in heavy suburbia, I was afraid about the same issues w/ neighbors. Truth be told, unless you go into the hive, or walk barefoot throufh the clover, theres no greater likelihood of being stung. Just provide water source, and be careful in the fall of creating robbing situations and you'll be fine.

[Scadsobees]

The difference in my neighborhood is that now there is a much greater chance of getting stung by a honeybee, since before there wasn't any honeybees.

Honeybees out foraging only care about the nectar, they will only sting if crushed.  They only attack near the hive, and that is rare, only when provoked.

The overall chance of getting stung by a bee in the nh isn't much higher, since wasps abound.  I think actually that the wasps form gangs.  I saw a few wearing bandannas and sporting tattoos last summer, and had some tiny graffiti on my house.

If you have neighbors with pools it *could* be an issue, but most of my neighbors and I have pools and they have never asked me about bees.  I know they bother my kids somewhat during the summer, but not too bad, I try to keep a water source out there for them too.  For the bees, that is...

The bees leave the hive, immediately fly to around 40-50 feet high, and then head out.  I have lots of trees 20+ft tall, so that helps.  If your bees don't fly high enough, consider a fence to force them up.

Just some thoughts....

Have fun!  It is an interesting and addicting hobby!!
Rick

[Jerrymac]

will they over whelm my neigbhors the first year.

Sorry  :shock: Some how I thought you meant over whelm the neighboring bees.  :roll:

[NWIN Beekeeper]

[I think actually that the wasps form gangs.  I saw a few wearing bandannas and sporting tattoos last summer, and had some tiny graffiti on my house.]

A few siphoned gas out of my car last year, and I think my neighbors car is still up on blocks.

Bald Faced Hornets will sting with little or no notice and it is very painful (probably twice what a bee sting feels like).   They will also swarm you like a gang. 
These are the paper nests in trees that everyone always swear are bees nests.
See there are things already worse than your bees around!

Even when bees are robbing, they are more interested in gathering than getting you.
But bad robbing can be VERY unnerving.

[Gail Di Matteo]

I saw a few wearing bandannas and sporting tattoos last summer, and had some tiny graffiti on my house.

LMAO. Maybe they flew over from Detroit?

My neighbor has a hot tub and she complained about all the bees that got in. I think they were waiting on Brendhan's girls to bring the margaritas. 

But, if you have a fussy neighbor, free honey goes a long way.

Gail

[CapeCod]

Thanks to all for the voice of assurance that my "GANG"  problem is only in the minds of the under-educated.
Just hope the education I get here gets me over the first years package un-veilment jitters.

[Cindi]

Yep those bald-faced hornets are angry ones for sure.  My Husband can tell you that when we disturbed their home while putting up some wire fencing.  He saw it coming at him, straight for the chest, and whammo, did he ever yell, thought that the world had come to an end.  What a baby, it was only that stinger bug (just joking, I bet it really hurt).  Beautiful day, great life.  Cindi

[Hopeful]

>>>I saw a few wearing bandannas and sporting tattoos last summer, and had some tiny graffiti on my house.<<<<<

Let's be fair. Was the knot in the bandanna in the front on their foreheads or in the back? Best not to judge unfairly, maybe they were just "athlete" bees and had their little football helmets off for a time out. And what you call "graffiti" may simply be an extension of untapped talent. Give them a break, huh?

Fred Volz
President
BCLU
(Bee Civil Liberties Union)

[JP]

I know you have heard from the gang, but if I may chime in, I will mimic what has been said about water sources. This is where there may be issues with numbers because bees will gravitate to water in numbers. Sometimes that could be your neighbor's pool, bees are attracted to chlorinated water. Definitely provide a water source, but remember your bees may still go to your neighbor's pool or fountain, there are no guarentees. Last thing is, I would suggest you inform your neighbors that you will be keeping bees and if they have any questions or concerns over this, and don't forget to give them some of your honey, every season, this goes a long way. Best of luck, and wishing you tons of fun.

Sincerely, JP

[Brian D. Bray]

What is interesting is watching the bees and _________(fill in blank ie dog, pigeons, chickens, etc)side by side at the water fountain.  What is it about water that will let even lions and lambs drink together.  Time Out!! Time for a Drink. 
I guess that goes for people and their local watering holes, taverns, pubs, etc, too.

[Jerrymac]

I guess that goes for people and their local watering holes, taverns, pubs, etc, too.

:? You never heard of bar fights  :?

[Scadsobees]

I guess that goes for people and their local watering holes, taverns, pubs, etc, too.

:? You never heard of bar fights  :?

The trick, Jerry, is to make sure that you are passed out before those happen.  That way the bruising is less. :-D

[Brian D. Bray]

I guess that goes for people and their local watering holes, taverns, pubs, etc, too.

:? You never heard of bar fights  :?

Hey, I was a Police officer, I've probably broke up more than you've ever been in.

[Jerrymac]

:? You never heard of bar fights  :?

Hey, I was a Police officer, I've probably broke up more than you've ever been in.

:-D :-D :-D So you broke up one?  :-D :-D :-D