Bees are fundamental to both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems, playing a central role in the pollination of wild plants and a significant portion of the world’s food crops. Pollinators affect 35% of global agricultural land, supporting the production of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide. However, bee populations, including managed honey bees and wild species, have experienced considerable declines globally due to a combination of factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and various pests and pathogens. Individuals can take concrete actions to help support bee populations.
Cultivating Bee-Friendly Habitats
Creating environments that provide consistent food and shelter for bees is one of the most direct ways to support their populations. Planting a diverse array of native, bee-attracting flowers ensures a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. This involves selecting plants with staggered bloom times, so that flowers are available from early spring through late fall. Specific examples include wildflowers like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans for summer, and goldenrods and asters for fall.
Providing a water source is equally important for bees, as they use water for various hive functions like temperature regulation and diluting honey. A shallow dish filled with pebbles or marbles allows bees to land safely and drink without drowning. The stones offer perching spots, preventing them from falling into the water.
Different types of bees have varying nesting requirements, and accommodating these can significantly boost local populations. Honey bees typically live in large colonies, often in managed hives. Bumble bees usually nest in abandoned rodent burrows or dense grass. Solitary bees, which make up the majority of bee species, do not live in colonies; instead, individual females construct their own nests.
Many solitary bees, such as mining bees, burrow into bare, undisturbed soil. Others, like mason bees and leafcutter bees, nest in hollow plant stems, wood cavities, or “bee hotels.” Leaving patches of bare soil, old wood, or hollow stems in a garden provides essential nesting sites for these diverse pollinators.
Minimizing Harmful Exposure
Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals is crucial for bee health, as pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides can severely impact their well-being and survival. Neonicotinoids, a class of systemic insecticides, are particularly concerning because plants absorb them, leading to their presence in pollen and nectar. These chemicals act as neurotoxins, disrupting bees’ nervous systems, impairing their navigation, foraging abilities, learning, and memory. Even at low, sublethal doses, neonicotinoids can weaken bees’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases and reducing colony reproduction rates.
While herbicides are designed to kill plants, they can indirectly harm bees by eliminating the flowering plants that provide essential food sources. Glyphosate-based herbicides, for example, have been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome of bees, increasing their susceptibility to disease and negatively affecting their development and foraging. Opting for organic gardening practices, which avoid synthetic pesticides and herbicides, provides a safer environment for bees. If chemical use is unavoidable, applying them late in the evening when bees are less active can minimize direct exposure.
Proper disposal of any hazardous chemicals is also important to prevent environmental contamination. Pesticides should never be poured down drains, into toilets, or onto the ground, as they can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life. Instead, contact local waste management authorities or household hazardous waste collection programs for guidance on safe disposal.
Supporting Bee Populations Locally and Globally
Beyond individual gardens, broader actions can contribute to the health and sustainability of bee populations. Supporting local beekeepers directly benefits managed bee colonies and the beekeeping industry. Purchasing local honey and beeswax products helps sustain these operations, which often prioritize bee health and promote responsible beekeeping practices.
Educating others about the importance of bees and the threats they face is a powerful way to foster wider community involvement. Sharing information about bee-friendly practices can inspire more people to take action in their own spaces. Participating in community initiatives, such as establishing pollinator gardens in public parks or advocating for bee-friendly policies with local governments, can create larger, interconnected habitats.
Supporting organizations dedicated to bee research and conservation also plays a crucial role in protecting these pollinators. Groups like The Bee Conservancy, The Xerces Society, and Save The Bees Foundation work to understand bee declines, create habitats, and advocate for protective measures. Choosing products that are certified organic or sustainably produced helps reduce the demand for agricultural practices that rely heavily on pesticides, thereby indirectly supporting bee health on a larger scale.