When most of us think of bees we think of either honey or trying to avoid getting stung, but bees are a hugely important part of our food production cycle and they are dying out in scary rates across the world. Today I wanted to talk about the importance of bees and what we can all do to help them!
Bees are not only vital for the production of honey and honeycomb, but they are also key to the agricultural sector more broadly. Pollination from bees is required for approximately two-thirds of the crops grown in Australia, and they can significantly increase the yield of crops as well. As I said, pretty important!
They might be an introduced species here in Australia, but then so are the crops that they are pollinating, and without them we’d be left with very little variety in our crops (just grains, grapes and fish by some accounts), and very little to eat in general. This has all been fine until recent years when bee numbers have come under threat worldwide for a range of reasons.
Weather
Droughts in Australia and freezing winters in the Northern Hemisphere have both played havoc on bee numbers, with some studies showing almost 30% of the bee population in south-east Australia was wiped out over the last few summers.
Diseases and Pests
The invasion of pests combined with more intensive farming practices has made the honeybee susceptible to diseases, threatening the hives. Hence, a need of a pest exterminator like the ones at SupremePestExterminator.com would be imminent once the honeybees number starts dwindling.
Farming Chemicals
The increased use of insecticides and fertilisers in farming practices is having a huge impact on bee populations as they are toxic to bees, wiping them out in huge numbers. This is exacerbated by the fact many farms are now just growing one crop (known as monoculture farming) which causes a loss in biodiversity which is key to a healthy bee population. Pest Control & K9 Dog Inspections may also have some effects on the bee population.
Loss of Nectar and Pollen
As cities grow outwards and we lose green spaces and pave over backyards we are losing nectar and pollen sources (in the form of flowers and other plants), which is making it difficult to sustain healthy hives and strong bee populations.
A combination of these factors is resulting in something called ‘colony collapse disorder’, which is as dire as it sounds. Honey production dropped so much in Australia that in 2014 local producers were unable to export any honey at all.
It’s not all bad news though, there are some simple steps we can all take to try and help the honey bees – so here goes!
Grow Bee-Friendly Plants
Planting bee-friendly plants like flowers and flowering herbs will help re-introduce nectar sources into the environment, helping feed bees and increasing the biodiversity in the area. Fruits and vegetables are also bee-friendly, as are wildflowers, so there are lots of options of things you can grow which benefit both you and the bees!
Avoid Pesticides
Avoiding using chemicals on your garden is vital to help save the bees, particularly if the chemicals are applied when the plant is flowering as the bees can transport the chemicals to the hive and cause huge population loss. Avoiding chemicals in your garden is best for so many other reasons as well, so just stay away from them if you can!
Buy Local Honey
Buying locally produced honey is a great way to support your local bee-keepers, helping to keep them in business and allowing them to potentially expand their hives and support a larger bee population. There has been a wonderful resurgence in small scale beekeeping in Melbourne in recent years, with hives popping up on rooftops and in backyards across the city, so there are some super-local supplies around if you look for them!
Get Some Hives
If you want to get serious about helping save the bees you could even get your own hives! There are groups you can join to learn about beekeeping and help get you started, and then you’ll have as much honey as you could possibly want, straight from your own backyard!
Phew, that’s a lot of information about the importance of bees! I hope it’s been helpful!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
merilyn
May 27, 2015 at 7:15 am (9 years ago)yes I totally agree liz! … love your work hun!
you could join ranks with david sazuki as you are doing similar and most useful work in the world … he is a brilliant advocate for the bees! … we all should be supporting and helping the natural world!
love m:)X
Fiona
May 27, 2015 at 9:35 pm (9 years ago)I only east local honey. The rest is so bland!
Fiona recently posted…Jamie Oliver Lemon & Herb Chicken (and a great use for leftovers!)
Allison Tait
May 30, 2015 at 8:54 pm (9 years ago)We went to Beechworth late last year and that really brought home the plight of the bees – a honey drought! We grow lots of bee-friendly flowers at our house!
Allison Tait recently posted…The week that was: Sydney Writers’ Festival
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 7, 2015 at 8:58 pm (9 years ago)Yikes, a honey drought! Growing bee-friendly flowers is such a great way to help out at home. Thanks for stopping by!