We know what's east of us, horrible land of frogs. What about the far west? Send an expeditionary force westward, led by a core of those experienced with exploration from the Eastward expedition once they've been given time to recover. Send a few beetles as well, their large size will allow the expidtion to carry more supplies or bring exotic material or creatures back.

Keep talking with the bees too. Our last negotiation went well, we're on freindly terms, perhaps they can tell us more about the lay of the land from their vantage points or have something they'd be willing to trade with us. Most importantly it lets us keep practicing that communication.