These were wasps. Have an irrational fear of them now.
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I have a friend that started a few hives about 5 years ago…he is hooked. I have been thinking about adding a few hives even though I do not like honey. I did join the no mow May movement - had to put a sign in my yard so the neighbors did not freak. Pollinators are great! Glad you enjoy the hobby.
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Highly recommended. Lots of other benefits other than only honey. I have found there are two types of people. Some love honey, and some that don’t care for it.
To me, it seems more natural than sugar.
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That’s cool Growmie didn’t know that was a thing until now!!! No mow May all day my way next year 
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We keep a few on rotation at our house
There is a a guy who brings honey to my local shop and has a pretty cool story. Whenever somebody’s got a crop that’s failing they will call him and he will bring his beehives out and the only thing he asked in return is he keeps the honey.
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Dude, that orange blossom honey is where it’s at. It was the best I’ve her tried.
Pollination services. I know a keeper that charges $250 a hive, and he makes the drive to Cali for the almond crop in February. Then follows the next blooming crop. He definitely makes a little bit with over 500 hives.
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Outta likes so here’s the big guy
Aster is my favorite so far followed by Brazilian pepper. The aster has a rich flavor while the Brazilian pepper has funny lil twang to it @Covertgrower
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@Covertgrower — I’ve been in almond groves and vineyards during pollination. It’s magical to see those little black and yellow friends do their thing!
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Hahahaha
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I don’t own any Bees but im protecting them from the Red Lantern Fly infestation we’re having up here in the North East part of the country this summer. I kill every Lantern fly i see around my house. Bees are cool…
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Now that I am retired, I spend a day or two a week volunteering at Nature Preserves to fight invasive species. Mostly plants, but some insects too. Everyone should know what a spotted laternfly looks like and kill them on sight…they can do a lot of damage.
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What do they attack?
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You have to admit, they look pretty cool.
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Welcome… This is a super bunch of folks on this. I’ve learned a ton about growing from just lurking. Tons of stuff to read and ponder over.
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Just saw this on the local news a day or 3 ago.
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@TheOldManDowntheRoad — Thank you! I’m far behind you, but this forum is bringing me up to speed quickly.
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It happens quick. I went from “I sure hope I get a little something from these plants” to Where in the hell am I gonna put all this stuff from these plants?"
Lots of fun and good info.
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The devastate wine grapes in mass…but they feed on other woodies too…not sure about cannabis. They crap honey dew in large masses which bring other insects and diseases. They are from Asia and outcompete local insects and have no natural predators here.
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@TheOldManDowntheRoad — I love it! At this point I’m going to be happy with an ounce.
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They attack and kill Honeybees…
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