David Wall/Contributing Writer
The weather this year has played havoc with honeybees. First, way too much rain and lower than normal temperatures. Now, not enough rain and too much heat. Both conditions deter honeybees from foraging. Pollen is solidifying on flowers, making it very difficult to obtain. It’s just not a good time to be a honeybee, but they keep trying. So, what can we do to help?
Something most of us have never even considered is to feed honeybees banana slices. Honeybees will chew them, peel and all, and use them as a pollen substitute. The substitute is used to make bee bread for young honeybees. An added benefit for this short time substitute is the nutrition provided by the bananas – potassium, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and several micro-nutrients that aid bee growth and development. You can also use non-brand generic marshmallows, but the literature appears to favor bananas.
Historically, bananas have been kept from hives for an excellent reason. They contain Isoamyl acetate which gives them that well known banana smell. Unfortunately, when honeybees are threatened, they put out an alarm “pheromone” that has an odor of bananas. Isoamyl acetate sends honeybees into a an all-out attack mode! In other words, bananas are an open invitation to getting yourself stung right and left, as several beekeepers have learned the hard way!
Again, it must be emphasized that providing banana slices is a temporary way to support the hive. While it is a great way to get some nutritious food into the hive, honeybees cannot survive on bananas over an extended time period. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent tactic for short periods in the early spring, the hot summer and fall when nectar gets into short supply.
Place the banana slices close, but not too close to the hive, preferably in a covered area.