I got a call today from a donut shop. I got out the truck and walked all the way around the building and found bees swarming in and out of a bucket lapping up icing like there was no tomorrow and I found them flying around the back door, seemingly trying to get in.
I walked in and greeted the manager, who was more than happy to see me. I guess she thought, hey call a beekeeper, maybe he can take them away!
There were perhaps 20 bees in the kitchen, flying against the lights like they do, and bees on donuts that were freshly glazed and placed on a tin sheet.
There were about 4 people in the kitchen and two more up front. The bucket by the dumpster was a decoy, in hopes of luring them away from the bldg.
I asked how long they've been seeing bees and the mgr tells me 8 yrs, which is how long she's worked there.
She said they fly in through the back door when they go in and out which is 30-40 times a day, and occasionally enter through the drive through window.
I searched the bldg over real good, even got up on the roof and did not see traffic entering/exiting the bldg anywhere.
We talked about available nectar flow and how when the flowers started producing the bees would greatly lessen foraging activities on their bldg. She mentioned that this was the pattern for 8 yrs now but that this was the earliest they've showed up.
I really wanted to take pictures of the bees on the donuts but felt it a little inappropriate, but it was cool to watch the girls on the donuts with their little proboscis lapping away.
I have to commend the mgr for not wanting to kill them and doing their best to get their work done amidst the bees and the occasional accidental sting.
Not exactly sure where the hive is that's coming in, so far now that part is a mystery.
My mind is reeling in thought over this one but not sure if there's much they can really do.
Open to ideas and suggestions, thanks.
Pics
http://picasaweb.google.com/pyxicephalus/TasteeDonuts?authkey=fyL45d0EhtU#...JP