Lots more Bumblebees this year

There seem to be tons more bumblebees around this year than previous years. They're loving the Rhododendrons in particular and are happily buzzing between them

Is the increase down to certain conditions or is it just coincidence? Has anybody noticed an increase this year?

 

Plenty around, keep having to show them the right way out of the greenhouse

 

If you bee in Kent, then the increase could be caused by Swedish bees...

http://wildlifenews.co.uk/2012/04/anger-growing-over-swedish-bee-imports/

 

Yes I have to agree, we have a lot of bumble bees this year.

 

Bumbles about the same numbers as last years, Honey Bees, well, if i seen one or two that's it

 

I've only seen one honey bee this year and that was one I found dead in my hall. Very rarely see them around here sadly :(

 

I've had to clear up to 5 Bumble Bees at a time out of my greenhouse. As with polytunnels, I keep a short handled kiddies fishing net in each one for rescuing bees, butterflies, etc.

 

Loganberries and raspberries humming with bumblebees

 

We have some living in the roof of our porch. Small ginger ones so they will come in handy for the runners.

 

I've hardly seen any honey bees. There's plenty of bumbles around though. Wonder where the honey bees are?

 

There does seem to be more this year. The nasty pesticides will be back soon though...

 

Yes same here, 2 nests in our porch roof small and large, they are late risers it was going on for 9am when they got up this morning. They are doing a great job in the veg garden.