Save the bees!
This World Bee Day, we want to shed some light on how our fuzzy friends are doing. The climate crisis has had a huge impact on these helpful creatures and they’re dying off at an alarming rate. But just how is the climate crisis affecting bees?
Habitat loss
The climate crisis has been wreaking havoc on bees and pollinators’ natural habitats. Pollinators just aren’t colonizing new areas and establishing hives fast enough to match rapid human-caused climate change.
Temperature changes
As temperatures rise, we enjoy colorful blooms earlier in spring. But this isn’t great for our bumbly buds. With earlier blooms there is a potential mismatch between when flowers produce pollen and when the bees are ready to feed on that pollen. Even a miss of three to six days can drastically affect bees’ health, making them less inclined to reproduce and less resistant to predators and parasites.
Great article about Bees!
https://time.com/3951339/bees-climate-change/
So what can you do?
We’re all about small solutions to create a large impact. If you’re eager to save the bees and make a difference in their lives, here are some easy tips to help you get started…
1. Grow more flowers, shrubs and trees that provide nectar and pollen as food for bees and other pollinators.
2. Save dandelions. We’ve been conditioned into thinking they are the evil weed that ruins a nice lawn, but they are a really good friend to bees!
3. Plant herbs and veggies. Lavender, basil, mint and tomatoes provide food for bees and for us. A snack for them, a snack for you.
4. Avoid disturbing or destroying nest or hibernating insects. Especially in places like grass margins, bare soil, hedgerows, trees, dead wood or walls.
5. Put down the pesticides, especially where pollinators are active or are nesting, or where plants are in bloom. Avoid chemicals and adopt methods like physically removing pests or using barriers to deter them
6. Buy local, organic fruit and veggies to support beekeepers in your area.
Ready to make a difference to the bees and fight the rising temperatures?