Bees are one of our world’s primary pollinators and are liable to the health of our collective food source. Without bees, we couldn’t encourage the agriculture necessary to feed the Earth’s population. Regrettably, bee colonies are dwindling In some regions, they are disappearing altogether. Discover how to save the bees, and find top ways you can assist this exceptional insect whilst doing significant work for the environment in the process.
- Startling Truth about colony collapse disorder
Colony collapse disease (CCD) is a relatively recent disorder impacting bee populations all over the world. The most important symptom of the disorder is the disappearance of all worker bees in the hive. The worker bees leave behind their queen and a couple of nurse bees to watch over the young larvae, together with loads of food. Below are five facts you should know about CCD.
Scientists do not know exactly what triggers CCD. Proposed causes of CCD include a virus or parasite, pesticides, or environmental modifications, such as climate change and habitat loss, but the science is still unclear.
Due to CCD, some parasitic species are now endangered. In 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced some startling news– the rusty patched bumblebee could be placed on the endangered species list.
Bees are responsible for the production of more than $15 billion worth of skincare and agricultural products each year.
Almonds are almost exclusively pollinated by bees. Almond farmers now have to pay more than three times the expense to have beekeepers bring in hives to pollinate their crops, as a result of CCD. This results in higher prices for the consumer.
CCD has so far cost the beekeeping business $2 billion to replace the 10 million hives affected by the disease.
How to assist the bee population: Seven thoughts
There are several ways to save the bees and also help the environment in the procedure. Whether you are wondering how to save the bees or how to help endangered species generally, use these ideas to help the parasitic population and protect agriculture.
1. Start a neighborhood garden
Plant a sustainable community garden with herbs, vegetables, and flowers that attract bees. Raise awareness to your cause by beginning a neighborhood fundraiser, and gather donations to buy garden supplies. Here are some helpful guidelines for what to include in your bee garden:
Begin with making your garden friendly to bees by planting flowers that are blue, purple, pink, or yellow. Bees can’t see reddish tones, so avoid red and pink flowers so bees can actually get to the pollen.
Bees particularly like herbs like lavender, mint, cilantro, and basil. You might even develop native plant species to your area which helps both bees and the surroundings. Plants such as spinach, collard greens, and cabbage and let these vegetables visit seed after harvesting.
Set a little tray of water, changed daily. Adding something to drink will keep honey bees in your garden more.
Skip the pesticides as even organic pesticides are harmful to bees. Use additional procedures for repelling pests, like planting garlic or rotating your plants so as to maintain your bees and garden healthy.
2. Support local agriculture
Like many insects, bees have a symbiotic relationship with their regional environment, helping plants thrive. Bees and other pollinators are responsible for the creation of 87% of the world’s food plants. By encouraging local agriculture, you are helping local bee populations live and flourish. Shop at your regional farmers market when you can, and buy skin care products that are created out of local beeswax.
3. Raise cash for charity
Begin a”rescue the bees effort” and gather gifts for environmental charities and organizations that help save bee populations. Or, help your neighborhood and begin a fundraiser that benefits local beekeepers and farmers. Share your design on social media to collect even more support for rescuing the bees.
4. Build habitats for bees
A bee’s favorite pre-built all-natural habitat is an ominous block of wood with lots of holes. Bees love to burrow and nest, and creating honeybee habitats will promote these helpful pollinators to return to your neighborhood to collect the pollen and nectar they require. Cover the holes with chicken wire to make sure that birds leave the bees alone. By temperament, many bee species are solitary, therefore no need to worry about attracting an entire hive into your yard.
5. Volunteer with your local beekeeping society
Most states have a local beekeeping society, and several need help from volunteers. You can donate your time to help with outreach in public events, or you’ll be able to organize a nonprofit fundraiser to collect gifts for society.
6. Connect your Regional beekeeping club
If you are thinking about keeping a beehive of your own, joining a gym is a great way to get started. Participating in your local beekeeping club can be a fun way to meet others in your community that cares about the environment, and also build up your beekeeping skills in the process. If you’re not quite ready to jump into a beekeeping club, then you may want to check out some online options, like beekeeping groups on Facebook or YouTube videos on the topic.
7. Sponsor a beehive
As bee populations have diminished, the cost of commercial bee pollination has skyrocketed. This means that farmers need to pay more to have their own crops pollinated, passing that cost onto the customer in the kind of higher costs. By sponsoring a beehive, you are helping beekeepers and farmers alike keep costs down and remain in business.
Watch how others use fundraising to help save the bees
Crowdfunding is one of the best ways people can spread awareness about a cause they care about while increasing helpful donations in the procedure. Fundraising through GoFundMe means more of the money you raise will benefit your cause, which means it’s possible to create the maximum impact. Take a look at these folks who took action to help save the bees throughout fundraising.
- Urban Beehive Project
A team of architects started a fundraiser to promote awareness concerning the importance of bees, and the vital part they play in the worldwide food supply. The group gathered funds to place four permanent beehives within an existing community garden in Prince Edward, Canada, maintained by a volunteer beekeeper. Each of the honey produced from the hives is donated to a local food bank. Almost $10,000 was raised in support of the job.
- Beehives for farmers in Kenya
Farmers in the Tsavo area of Kenya discovered that bees not only assisted with pollination but served to keep elephants out of snacking on their crops. Elephants naturally avoid the sound of bees buzzing, and incorporating beehives helped decrease human-animal conflict. Svetla, a volunteer, started a fundraiser to collect money for more hives, which also supplied extra income to such farmers via honey production. She raised over $1,500 in support of her cause.
