The bee population is declining and it’s something we all need to be aware of. Bees do a lot for the environment and economy, helping plants grow, breed and produce food. Bees are responsible for one-third of the world’s food supply, including avocados, almonds, onions, and a multitude of fruits and vegetables. Due to factors like habitat loss, unstable weather conditions, pesticides and diseases, bees have been dying off at a rapid rate, and it’s time for us to do something about it. If you’re committed to making a change, take a look at 6 easy things you can do to help save the bees!
1. Educate Yourself
Educate yourself on what’s happening with the bees. Familiarize yourself with the practices that rely on bees, and know what’s harmful to them. The more educated you are the more aware of the difference you can make with your everyday choices.
2. Plant a Bee Garden
There are certain flowers and plants bees are attracted to, so planting them in your garden will help them stay strong. They’re attracted to both the sight and smell of certain plants, so planting a variety is the best way to help the bees. They love plants like mint, lavender, poppies, echinacea, allium, and bluebeard, among others. Choose plants that are native to your area and bloom at different times of the year.
3. Avoid Using Pesticides and Herbicides in Your Garden
Keeping your home and garden pesticide free is key to keeping the bees alive. Pesticides and herbicides are extremely harmful to bees, and can lead to neurological issues, doing serious harm to bee colonies. Go the extra mile by only buying locally, organically grown produce so you don’t contribute to the use of pesticides by others.
4. Put Plain Water Out for Bees to Drink From
It’s also important for bees to rehydrate when they’re working so hard in your yard. Put out a shallow container of water with twigs and rocks in it so they have somewhere to land while they’re drinking. Don’t put sugar or anything else in the water- bees do best when they drink from natural nectar sources, so plants and fresh water are ideal.
5. Consider Building a Bee Hotel
Habitat loss is one of the main factors leading to the declining bee population. Consider building a bee hotel for the bees in your yard. A bee hotel is any space designed to home native solitary bees. It can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be, and you can make one yourself or buy one online.
6. Buy Honey From Local Beekeepers
Local beekeepers are passionately committed to their bees, and are more likely to treat them in a more gentle and humane way than bigger companies. When you buy from local beekeepers, you’re also more likely to get honey that’s more pure and isn’t tainted with any additives. It’s a win for you and the bees!
There you have it- 6 ways to help save the bees. Bees do so much good for the environment and it’s important to keep them safe. Do what you can to help them!