Why Bees?

About one third of the total human diet comes directly or indirectly from insect pollinated plants, and the USDA estimates that 80% of this is done by honeybees.  Major US crops dependant on honeybee pollination include almonds, apples, avocados, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, melons, and vegetables.  Indirectly the production of most beef and dairy products is dependent on honeybee pollination for the alfalfa, clover, and other legumes used for their food. 

Some Honeybee Facts 

1.  There are three kinds of honeybees:  workers, drones, and one queen per hive.

2.  Worker bees can make about 1/12 teaspoon of honey in their lifetime.

3.  Bees are very sensitive to temperature changes.

4.  Hives contain about 30,000 bees.

5.  Bees can pollinate about 3 million flowers in one hour per hive.

6.  Bees are very sensitive to most pesticides.

7.  Many diseases and mites kill honeybees.

8.  Worker bees live about 40 days in the summer.

9.  Forager bees only last about 30 days.

10.  Queen bees live about 2-3 years.

11.  Bees die after stinging.