Luvachicken Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 I don't have bees but do have lots of plants they like. A couple of days ago I saw a huge bumble bee just dangling on the edge of a spider web. I managed to get him free before the spider got to him and admired him on a stick but he had some mites on him. Killing it seems such a shame but would stop the bee sharing the mites with other bees in the hive. What do I do next time I see a bee like that ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Some beekeepers dust their honeybees with icing sugar to encourage grooming, perhaps that would work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 29, 2016 Author Share Posted January 29, 2016 Happy to try anything to save a bee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Luvachicken, Most mites you see on a bumblebee are harmless. The only time they might pose a threat is if there are so many clinging on the bee can't fly. In this case you can brush them off with a pointed artist brush or cotton bud. Normally they feed on nest detritus and are just hitching a ride. At this time of year the bee you saw would be an overwintering queen tempted out in the warm sunshine. There is no nest, she has been hibernating in a crack in a wall or some such. So, next time do nothing unless your bee is chilled when you can offer it some moistened sugar (NOT HONEY) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Some beekeepers dust their honeybees with icing sugar to encourage grooming, perhaps that would work? No it wouldn't...sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 Thanks Old Speckled Hen I'll stick to rescuing them out of spider webs and wishing them a safe journey and finding some more bee friendly plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
