As the summer sun begins to mellow, the month of September witnesses a remarkable phenomenon—the increased activity of bees. While many of us associate bees with the warmer months, it’s not uncommon to see a heightened activity level among bees as fall approaches. There are several reasons why this occurs.
A Last-Minute Foraging Frenzy:
- Fall Blooms: September marks the transition between summer and fall, and with it comes a wealth of blooming flowers and plants. Bees are highly adaptable to changes in their environment, and as they notice these new food sources, they embark on a last-minute foraging frenzy to collect nectar and pollen before colder weather arrives.
- Pre-Winter Preparation: Bees are diligent creatures, and their instincts drive them to prepare for the upcoming winter months during September. For many bee species, this involves gathering resources to sustain their hives through the winter. The nectar collected during this time is converted into honey, which serves as their primary food source during colder periods when they can’t forage as actively.
- Reproduction and Queen Activity: September also coincides with a surge in queen bee activity. Queen bees, responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the hive’s population, often increase their egg-laying rates during this time. This boost in reproduction is a strategic move to ensure that the hive will have a strong population of worker bees capable of foraging and tending to the hive during the winter.
The Role of Climate and Environment:
- Weather Conditions: The cooler temperatures of September are often accompanied by more stable weather conditions, including milder winds and reduced rainfall. These factors create an optimal environment for bees to forage without the disruptions that might occur during the unpredictable weather of spring and early summer.
- Extended Daylight: September offers longer daylight hours compared to the earlier months of summer. This extended period of sunlight gives bees more time to engage in foraging activities and brings a sense of urgency to their efforts.
If bees are becoming a nuisance to your home or property this season, contact Attention Pest Solutions. Attention Pest Solutions offers residential pest control and commercial pest control for Saratoga County, Albany County, Washington County, Fulton County, Warren County, Schenectady County and Montgomery County.
