Aug 23 2007
Spiders, Bees and the Web of Life
Anyone who knows me understands that insects are just not my thing. So, it’s kind of funny that yesterday I was inspired by a spider. And, today it’s bees.
For seven months now, a colony of honey bees has been living on our balcony. I am scared of most insects. But, I have to say that I have become rather fond of the bees. I see them as a symbol of sweetness, productivity and community. And, I have found myself regularly going to the window to watch them.
Well, today someone in our building decided it was time to get rid of them and asked some visiting exterminators to spray them - using our neighbor’s window while he was away at work. As soon as we saw the toxic cloud wafting past our window, my husband and I reacted quickly. I’m pretty sure that we scared the heck out of the exterminators - just a couple of young guys - yelling at them to stop!
We think we saved most of the hive, but we won’t really know till tomorrow. If the bees survive, we will arrange for a proper bee keeper to relocate the hive.
One reason I am an Interior Alignment™ Teacher is to awaken people to the interconnectedness of all things. All creatures are a vital part of the web of life and we human beings balance carefully on the shoulders of all other life on this planet. It is essential that we live in harmony with the rest of the animals and plants on this beautiful rock we call Earth.
Bees and other pollinators are recently and suddenly in decline due to disease, loss of habitat and pesticide use. In some areas of the world the bee loss is being described as “catastrophic”, with some beekeepers reporting between 30-90% losses. Consider for a moment what will happen if the pollinators of our planet disappear! Nearly losing our little bee hive brought it home for me, in a personal way.
Copyright 2007, Deb Swingholm. All rights reserved.
Hi Deb!
A few weeks ago I saw the movie “Charlotte’s Web”. Somehow, growing up I missed that book, which was very strange as I was an avid reader as a child. I loved the movie (must get the book!) and I thought about ‘Charlotte’ when I was reading your post on the spider’s web.
Bees and wasps build their nests in the strangest of locations. Some wasps decided to set up housekeeping in the ceiling of our balcony last summer and unfortunately they had to go because I’ve become very allergic to insect bites. I haven’t been stung by a wasp or bee in many years, but going by what happens to me when I get a little mosquito bite, I really don’t want to find out.
We still get them up here for their meals though. They loved the potted coriander when it was blooming and now they are in their protein gathering stage. They actually coome in through the windows to eat from the cats’ food bowls. I don’t mind the odd one - it is the nests that can get dangerous especially for someone with an allergy.
I’ve seen these paper things you can hang that look like a huge wasps nest and that’s what I would try to discourage them from builing in future. I agree they are fascinating to watch though.
I think the next wave in caring for the earth will be providing healthy living conditions and sanctuaries for bees. We need the bees. I really hope ‘yours’ survive.
hugs, Deborah
Thanks Deborah!
I LOVED the book Charlotte’s Web as a child (and have not yet seen the movie).
As for the bees, this morning they look pretty good - from our window I can only see one side of the comb, but they look ok and there isn’t a pile of dead ones on the balcony floor. That’s good news!
I know what you mean - insects can find some fairly strange places to nest. This hive found a small rear balcony that you can’t walk out on (window access to an a/c unit only). Not a bad location, really.
I do understand the concern about allergies. And I really understand people’s fear of bees! But we left them alone, as these honey bees were quiet and mostly out of the way of people. I would not have been ok with wasps! Much too aggressive to have around an apartment building.
i’m just glad our hive seems to be alright. I have learned alot and have a new respect for our planet’s pollinators!
love, Deb
Just a note - the bees did indeed survive the near poisoning and we have sucessfuly relocated them. I’m sad to see them go, but I am very happy they were not killed!
Deb