bee on flower

Pollinator Feature: Not Just the Honeybees

Out in the summertime sun, all kinds of insects are flying in the air around us or moving on the ground below our feet. Warmer temperatures invite these creatures, and humans, outside where sometimes it becomes not as easy to coexist. When we see a bee or wasp come near us, it can be extremely hard to stand still and resist the urge to swat it. However, being cautious of bees and wasps is important because honeybees are not the only essential pollinators we need to protect.

Here are some other bees and wasps that we need to watch out for and help support when we are outside this summer:

Bumble Bee

These very hairy bees are excellent at pollinating certain plants, such as tomatoes, and they are effective in greenhouses for pollinating other vegetables. They can sting more than once, but they are generally not aggressive. Bumble bees usually only sting if their nest is disturbed.

bumblebee on flower
PC: Chad Kruse

They are also one of the largest bees that live in Wisconsin, and our state has about 20 different species of them. Their hives are often found underground, but also in spaces in buildings, compost piles, hay bales and similar spots above ground in yards.

Carpenter Bee

There are just a few species of carpenter bees in Wisconsin, but they’re actually quite common. The males can act aggressively, but they do not have stingers, so they can’t sting. Carpenter bees are solitary bees, so they do not live in hives, but rather they bore holes in wood to make nests for their young. They have dark metallic bodies.

carpenter bee

Sweat Bee

The sweat bee gets its name from the fact that they are attracted to the salt in human sweat. These creatures are important to protect as well because they eat nectar and pollen from flowers. Their metallic green bodies sure stand out during Wisconsin summers. Sweat bees are considered pretty docile, but they do typically sting when they are disturbed, such as when they are brushed off your body – luckily its sting is not as painful as other bee stings!

sweat bee

Paper Wasps

Wasps can sometimes be difficult to coexist with because they are attracted to the sugars and carbohydrates in food we typically enjoy at gardens, picnic spots and cookout areas. Because paper wasps can sting more than once and can become more aggressive, people should try to take measures that minimize the insect’s attention.

paper wasp on flower

Harvesting fruits like grapes, apples and raspberries early in the morning when wasps are less active, and disposing of garbage in bins with tight-fitting lids are ways to avoid wasps. Wasps hunt flies and young insects that damage crops and they also are important pollinators, so wasp nests should not be exterminated if they are not close to or pose an immediate threat to humans.

When something with a stinger comes near you, it can be extremely hard not to defend yourself. It’s important to remember, though, that most bees and wasps only harm humans when they are attacked. Leaving these pollinators to their pollinating duties will help us to survive alongside the creatures as they save and support our ecosystem.

Sources

Your Kindness Transforms Us!
💖

A donation to the Garden by Dec 31 makes a world of difference. Be part of our growth journey! 🌺

Don’t just give a gift…
give an experience.

A Garden membership is a meaningful gift for your loved ones to enjoy this timeless treasure and make memories all year long.

Support the Garden and gift a membership today!

Last Chance!

Special Offer for New Members

Explore nature’s wonders!
Join as a new member by December 3 and receive two Free Daily Admission Passes.

Online Auction
Live Now!

View and bid on hundreds of items like plant containers and hanging baskets, gift packages, outdoor living items, and so much more.

Sounds of Nashville on August 11

will be moved indoors with limited seating due to Friday’s weather forecast. Tickets are no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience!

Wednesday, September 11 | Early Closure at 4 pm for Field to Fork