How Can You Help Bees?

There has been a lot of buzz in recent years about the importance of bees and their decreasing numbers. We feel all this hype is definitely needed. Bee colonies have been dwindling in numbers every year. Efforts are being put into saving bees, but they are not enough. We need to come up with a more universal approach which involves every citizen of the planet.

Here’s how you can do your bit for these pretty pollinators,

Say No to Toxic Pollutants

The following have harmful chemicals which settle on the plants and eventually reach the bees who visit these plants:

·       Herbicides

·       Insecticides

·       Fungicides

·       Pesticides

It weakens the immune systems of the bees and makes them more vulnerable to diseases and pest infestations. As a result, their mortality rate decreases.

For this one reason we also suggest that you buy things from the local farmer’s markets.  In these markets, you can source your fruits and veggies from farmers who do not use insecticides and other chemicals. You enjoy healthy food and at the same time help the bees.

Weeds Help Bees

We love clean, beautifully landscaped gardens. And as pruned lawns become the better choice for residents, bees end up losing their access to food from wildflowers like dandelions. Give your garden an un-pruned look. Allow the bees to enjoy feeding on the weeds and wildflowers in your garden. If you do not like unkempt gardens, then try turning one section of your garden into a bee oasis. Let this area grow wildflowers and weeds which bees would love to flock to.

Plant Native Flowers

Include lots of native flowers in your garden which can bloom at different times of the year. As a result, your garden will always be full of food for bees. By including variety in their forage, you help the bees local to your area enjoy healthy nutrition from your garden. Native flowers are preferred because the bees native to your area will be most successful in pollinating native plants.

Make Water Available for Bees in Your Garden

If you have a bee oasis, then include a small pot of water with a few sticks, corks or stones which work as islands for the bees. It will help them drink water without drowning themselves.

Water is very important for bees. They need lots of water during the summer seasons when the temperature in the hive can rise very quickly. Keep fresh water available for the bees in your garden to help them stay cool. Do not mix sugar in the water.

Buy Honey from Local, Ethical Beekeepers

Supermarkets usually stock honey from industrial beekeepers. These beekeepers usually do not follow ethical beekeeping practices which render the industrial bee colonies weak and vulnerable. It is always important to find ethical beekeepers. They believe in safeguarding the pollinators and ensuring that the bees have an adequate supply of honey to last the winters. Ethical beekeeping also instills the importance of nurturing bees by providing them access to lots of flower patches so that they can forage enough nectar to make lots of honey.

Conclusion

Awareness of your surroundings and the living creatures around you can help you be mindful of your actions when it comes to saving them. Learn about bees and their instincts. Educate your children about how harmless bees can be. Make people around you aware of the pollinators to help the bees.