Tip #61 Save our bees

Did you know that you can thank a bee for every one in three bites of food you eat?

Honey bees — wild and domestic — perform about 80 per cent of all pollination worldwide. A single bee colony can pollinate 300 million flowers each day. Grains are primarily pollinated by the wind, but fruits, nuts and vegetables are pollinated by bees. Seventy out of the top 100 human food crops — which supply about 90 per cent of the world’s nutrition — are pollinated by bees (source).

With the warmer weather, soon we will have our buzzing friends back in our everyday lives. In order to make them more welcome, here are some tips that can do each of us.

1. Plant garden for bees
By planting a bee garden, you can create a habitat corridor with plants that are rich in pollen and nectar. You don’t need a ton of space to grow bee-friendly plants — gardens can be established across yards and in window boxes, flowerpots, and planters.

2. Avoid chemicals
Synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and neonicotinoids are harmful to bees, wreaking havoc on their sensitive systems. Avoid treating your garden and green spaces with synthetics. Instead, use organic products and natural solutions such as compost to aid soil health.

3. Provide trees for bees
Did you know that bees get most of their nectar from trees? When a tree blooms, it provides hundreds — if not thousands — of blossoms to feed on. Trees are not only a great food source for bees, but also an essential habitat.

4. Create a drink station for bees
Bees work up quite a thirst foraging and collecting nectar. Fill a shallow birdbath or bowl with clean water, and arrange pebbles and stones inside so that they break the water’s surface. Bees will land on the stones and pebbles to take a long, refreshing drink.

5. Support your local beekeepers and organisations
Local beekeepers work hard to nurture their bees and the local community. The easiest way to show your appreciation is to buy locally-made honey and beeswax products.

If you are interested in this topic, you should check this website for more information.