In a message dated 1/20/00 3:46:28 AM Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Does anyone have experience with their bees creating a nuisance in
 vineyards when the grapes are ripe and being picked?  Is there any way
 to lessen the problem apart from moving the bees?  They sting the
 pickers and congregate in the bins of sweet crushed grapes. >>

   Are you sure they are bees?  Yellow jackets and wasps create such a
problem here, but honeybees don't have mouths capable of breaking a grape's
skin.

   Sometimes bees will come in to join after other insects have broken the
skin, but grape juice is not their favorite food. They much prefer nectar,
and will happily go to it if it is available.  Perhaps your vinyard is too
"clean." Some goldenrod or other late blooming flower will keep them happily
occupied so they won't be pesky.

Dave Green
The Pollination Home Page
http://pollinator.com