Maggie's Farm

Honeybees (the kind of bee that was supposedly dying off, but was not) are not native to the New World. They are indeed an invasive species imported by American colonists from Europe for the honey. Most honey bee colonies are either commercial or backyard hives, but they often go wild until some bee-keeper tracks them down. Clover is their favorite food source. Sow your meadow with peerennial clover seed, and you will get them. I did.

Bumblebees, on the other hand, are more cold-tolerant and are native to the New World - and in fact to most of the world. They do not make much honey, and live in holes in the ground.

Pesticides are lethal for both kinds of bees.