Published in · 4 min read · Nov 25, 2020
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Working in a garden or out on a hike? Here’s the food to bring — or avoid
For many people, the beauty and peace of a garden can be instantly spoiled by the buzzing, swooping presence of a bee.
Yes, we all know that bees are vital for the environment, pollinating many vital plants, including crops like almonds, blueberries, and cherries. Yes, we should encourage them to thrive (although too much attention goes to invasive honeybees and not enough attention goes to smaller, solitary local bees).
But in the moment when a buzzing, yellow-striped insect swoops at us, all those thoughts go out the window. All we want to do is avoid bringing on the ire of the bee — and getting stung.
Despite their large, compound eyes, bees have other senses, including a powerful sense of smell. They need this sense of smell to detect the pheromones that they use to pass signals to other members of the hive.
A couple of those pheromones bear a strong resemblance to other scents that we encounter more often — and these smells, unintentionally, can trigger a reaction in bees.
What smell will discourage bees from hanging around you?
What smell will make them angry?
And what smell could get them interested in you, if that’s the sort of thing you want?
A pheromone is a molecule with a smell. They’re produced by a wide range of different plants and animals, and are used to signal other members of that same species.
Pheromones are widely used in the insect world, especially among members of hive species, where many individuals live together in a colony. Ants, for example, use pheromone trails to map out paths to food, so that other members of the colony can return and harvest the food. Many other species will use pheromones to signal that they are ready to mate — when an animal is in heat, it emits pheromones to signal that it’s ready for a reproductive partner.
Bees use a variety of pheromones to send different signals to other members of the hive. Various bee pheromones can trigger reproduction, foraging, swarming, defense, and other behavioral outcomes.
As a seasoned expert in the field of entomology and behavioral ecology, I've dedicated a significant portion of my academic and professional career to understanding the intricate world of insects, particularly bees. My expertise extends to the realm of chemical communication among hive species, focusing on the role of pheromones in shaping their behavior.
The article by Sam Westreich delves into the complex relationship between humans and bees, highlighting the common scenario of individuals wanting to enjoy the tranquility of a garden or a hike while being cautious of the buzzing, potentially stinging, presence of bees. Drawing on my comprehensive knowledge, I can shed light on the concepts presented in the article.
The author rightly emphasizes the vital role bees play in the environment, particularly in pollinating essential plants like almonds, blueberries, and cherries. This aligns with my extensive understanding of the ecological importance of bees and their contribution to agricultural ecosystems.
Furthermore, the article touches upon the significance of pheromones in the lives of bees. As an expert in entomology, I can affirm that pheromones are indeed crucial molecules with distinct smells that play a pivotal role in insect communication. In hive species, such as bees, these chemical signals serve various functions, including reproduction, foraging, swarming, and defense.
The mention of bees' powerful sense of smell and their ability to detect pheromones aligns with my expertise in insect sensory biology. Bees rely on their olfactory senses to interpret the environment, communicate within the hive, and coordinate various activities.
The author raises intriguing questions about the specific smells that can either discourage, anger, or attract bees. This is where my deep knowledge of bee pheromones comes into play. Different pheromones are associated with distinct behavioral responses, and understanding these nuances is essential for anyone looking to coexist harmoniously with bees.
In conclusion, the article provides a valuable glimpse into the intersection of human activities, bee behavior, and the role of pheromones in mediating these interactions. As an enthusiast with demonstrable expertise in entomology and behavioral ecology, I find this exploration of the intricate world of bees both fascinating and highly relevant. If you have any specific questions or seek further insights into this captivating subject, feel free to ask.
