How to help bees

• Can bees count to 10?
• Decline of bees
• Two types of bees: wild and domestic
• Role of bees in biodiversity
• Threat of pesticides
• Disease and predators
• What are the risks if bees disappear?
• Is urban beekeeping a good idea?
• Opt for organically grown food
• Grow nectar-producing plants
• Create wild bee habitats
• Make a bee watering station
• Opt for compost and check your seeds
• Diversify your lawn
• Mow less often
• Rake leaves only in spring

Can bees count to 10?

Waiting to mow the lawn until the dandelions bloom, growing nectar-producing plants in your garden, and opting for organic food are small gestures that can help bees as their numbers drop alarmingly worldwide. Which can you do to save these precious pollinators?

Decline of bees

Climate change, pollution, intensive farming, and pesticide use are among the primary reasons bees are disappearing. About 40% of wild species are at risk of extinction, while domesticated bees are suffering a 5% to 10% mortality rate.

Two types of bees: wild and domestic

All bees contribute to pollination. Of the nearly 20,000 wild species, most are solitary, feeding on flower pollen and nectar to survive. In contrast, domesticated bees, also known as Apis mellifera or honey bees, are native to Europe, live in colonies, and produce honey.

Role of bees in biodiversity

As they forage among flowers, these tiny creatures play an enormous role in the planet’s biodiversity. Indeed, some 80% of the world’s 350,000 flowering plants depend on pollinating insects to collect and disperse their pollen, enabling them to reproduce.

Threat of pesticides

If any human action has had a devastating effect on bee (and other) populations, it’s pesticide use. Intensive farming often involves combining multiple agrochemicals, thus heightening their respective toxic effects and possibly increasing bee mortality. However, not all insecticides cause instant death; some are more devious. Pesticides used in chronic poisoning can weaken bees’ immune systems or confuse the “radar” they use to return to their colonies.

Disease and predators

Domestic bees are also under significant threat. Parasitic varroa mites feed on bees’ bodily fluids, weakening their victims and making them sick, while Asian hornets, bees’ primary predators, hover in front of hives to prevent bees from going out to feed.

What are the risks if bees disappear?

Some 75% of the world’s food crops depend on bees for pollination. In fact, crop yields have already been affected by a lack of pollinating insects, which may have serious repercussions on our food security.

Is urban beekeeping a good idea?

Yes and no. Introducing too many individuals into an area should be avoided, otherwise resident wild bees will be forced to compete with their domestic cousins for pollen and nectar. Be sure to establish hives according to available plant resources.

Opt for organically grown food

Like us, bees need a varied diet. By promoting biodiversity and respect for the soil through crop rotation, organic farming helps create spaces where bees can find healthy food, protected from the risks of poisonous pesticides.

Grow nectar-producing plants

This includes plants that produce flowers with enough nectar and pollen as well as proper foraging morphology to ensure bee subsistence. While the sugar in nectar provides bees with energy (and the ingredients for making honey), pollen provides proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Find examples of nectar-producing plants here.

Create wild bee habitats

Intensive farming and urbanization have reduced pollinator habitats. One way to help bees find a home is to leave a part of your property uncultivated or grow nectar-producing plants and other native vegetation that bees will find welcoming. Lastly, install a small nest to provide shelter in winter.

Make a bee watering station

Because our foragers also need to drink, why not offer them and other pollinating insects a nice waterer? Simply place a few stones, marbles, or pebbles in a shallow pool to provide your guests with perches from which to quench their thirst without drowning. That’s it! Don’t forget to change the water regularly, though, to prevent your waterer from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Opt for compost and check your seeds

Enrich your garden with compost and other natural fertilizers rather than synthetic products as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to bees. Also pay close attention to the grass seeds you buy. Some are coated with pesticides.

Diversify your lawn

Goodbye perfect, manicured lawn, hello diversity! Nectar-producing plants that you can add to grass include white clover and selfheal. In addition to feeding bees, you’ll also protect your lawn (at least a little) from certain pests, such as June beetle larvae (white grubs), insects that love grass roots.

Mow less often

Incorporating variety into your lawn is good, but bees still need a chance to forage among the flowers. Mowing every two weeks rather than every weekend will also give you more time to enjoy the warm weather.

Rake leaves only in spring

Leaf cover provides many pollinators and other species with winter shelter. Letting leaves stay on the ground will not only give these critters a home, but will also provide your garden with nutrients as they decompose.