Honey Bees

Honeybees are one of the most beneficial insects in the world. Without the honeybee, fruits and nuts would not be abundant. This is one of the reasons why it was decided that Rudugast's Ideal needed bees-as pollinators. There are not a lot of pollinators on top of our little mountain. In fact the cucurbit production has doubled with the addition of the bees.

Bees are not mean nasty creatures as seen in the popular media. For a bee to sting mammals, she usually dies. Does that mean that we haven't been stung? No, but if common sense is used there is not a problem.

We have Italian bees which are the most widely kept honeybee in the world. However, all honeybees need protection and care especially due to the real treat of Colony Collapse Disorder.

In a hive there are three types of bees. A queen lays all the eggs and uses pheromones to keep order. Drones are males whose only purpose is to breed. Also the hive contains thousands of workers. Workers can act as guard bees, foragers, or housekeepers.

Not only do honeybees act as pollinators but they also produce delicious honey as well as other wonderful products such as propolis, and wax.

References
Flottum, K. 2005. The Bakyard Beekeeper: An absolute beginners guide to keeping bees in your yard and garden. Quarry Books. Beverly, MA.