Red Bees in Red Hook

Beekeepers in Red Hook are experiencing an unusual “phenomenon” in which bees are returning to their hives colored bright red, The New York Times reports. An apiculturist for New York State said that the bees were covered in Red Dye No. 40. They found that the bees were traveling to Dell’s Maraschino Cherries Company on Dikeman Street. The company makes artificial cherry flavor commonly used in cocktails and ice cream sundaes. The bees are attracted to the bright color, sweet taste and sticky consistency. Andrew Coté of the New York City Beekeepers Association believes the solution to the problem could be as easy as covering the flavor-making vats with screens or supplying a closer source of nectar. There is a fear that the artificial “nectar” could have negative effects on the hives.