Christine McDonald, owner of Rushing River Apiaries in Terrace, B.C., faced thousands of desperate bees invading her indoor shop late last month. The “robber bees” entered through cracks in an old bay door, seeking honey as late summer food sources became scarce. McDonald said “I think that’s the most panicked I have felt…There’s thousands of bees, I don’t know where they’re coming from, and I need to protect all of the honey.” She covered equipment with tarps and lured the bees into her bathroom using light, where she collected and released them. The invasion lasted four to five days before the bees gave up. University of B.C. honeybee scientist Alison McAfee explained that robber bees attack weaker colonies when food resources decline and bee populations peak. McAfee compared their behavior to bears preparing for winter, saying “It’s almost like they have a level of desperation.” (Story URL)
PHONE TOPIC: Has your home ever been invaded by a wild animal?