What's happening to the Bees? Why should we care?

And, what can we do?

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Bee population has been and still is declining. There are many reasons that this is happening,

but, here are the main 3 - - -

1. Habitat Loss - With building development, urbanization and farming practices, we have lost many wildflower patches & potential nest sites. Habitat is not only important for food, but for genetic diversity. If habitats become too isolated, species are forced to in-breed.

2. Pesticides - One especially bad one for bees is Neonicotinoid which makes insects, not just bees, susceptible to death through disease and pathogens. 

3. Climate Change - The effects of climate on bees and bee decline are complex, but, in altering the weather patterns and cycles, this has had the following impact : on the flowering times of plants/trees/ shrubs that bees feed on : plants simply not flowering : extremes in weather conditions, from flooding to prolonged winters (all bad news for bees and other wildlife)

So, what does this mean for us?

Why should we worry if bees aren't doing well?

To put it simply, a world without bees also means a world without fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Nearly one-third of the world's crops are dependent on bees for pollination. Most plants depend on insects like bees to pollinate them. Those plants which are entirely dependent on bees would gradually die off  without reproducing, unless some other animal (insect, bird, bats, etc.) inserted themselves into that biological niche. One source of photosynthesis that is independent of insects is water. Algae has a tremendous influence on the world's oxygen production. So oxygen would not disappear, but, because so many trees and flowering plants depend on bees for their reproductive cycle, they would be highly stressed, and would either have to adapt to life without bees or become extinct, which is still going to cause problems for us.

So, what can we do?

Most importantly, focus on our backyard. There is no point in planting for bees if you will be poisoning them with pesticides. Is it realistic to believe the notion that insecticides kill "nasty insects"...whilst leaving alone the "nice" insects like bees and butterflies? Try to support organic. Most fungicides, herbicides and miticides are relatively nontoxic to honey bees. The biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis exhibits low toxicity to bees. Even if you are on a low budget, purchase one or two things consistently, and collectively, it will make a difference. Better yet, grow your own, or some of your own food.

There is a list below of bee friendly plants, flowers and herbs that you can put in your own backyard to help! If you have pets or small children, make sure you double check that any of the ones listed below do not pose a risk to them. Don't worry about getting stung. Only females can sting. And, they only do so if they feel threatened. Give them space. And, should one land on you, let her rest. Maybe contemplate how great it is that she mistook you for a flower. 

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Lavender ~ Goldenrod ~ Black-Eyed Susans ~ Coneflower ~

Forget-Me-Not ~ Prairie Clover ~ Aster ~ Foxgloves ~ Poppys ~ Milkweeds ~ Alyssum

There are many more! Contact your local Beekeeping Association as well. They can guide you to what grows best in your area.

You can also create a Bee Watering Station. These are simply to construct. I have one outside my Garden House. 

Below are a few watering stations I have made and sell.

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If you cannot grow your own plants, make a watering station or keep bees yourself, consider contacting your local Beekeeping Association. They strive to teach new generations of Beekeepers along with learning new techniques as they go. They advocate for the Bees right where you live. Consider donating to their Association.

Thank you for reading!

Here's to the Bees!

Without them, I would not be able to do what I love! 

I also need to thank Paul's Championship Honey located in Clifton, IL. He provided me with the inspiration for the beginning. I work closely with the Illinois Valley Beekeepers Association and other Beekeeping Associations throughout Illinois. I also work with Circle B Farms and CU Biee Hive Products,

both located in Marseilles, IL.

If you are a Beekeeper and would like to see how we can work together, please Contact Me.

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