Imagine a world without bees. No, not just the yellow-and-black striped honeybees that sting. All bees. Every type of bee in every corner of the globe. What would that world look like?
Bees are among the most important creatures on Earth. In fact, it’s estimated that one out of every three bites of food we eat is thanks to pollinators like bees. Given their importance, it’s alarming to think that bees are in trouble. Here’s why these little creatures are so important and what we can do to help them.
Bees Are Critical to Plant Growth
Bees are best known for their role in producing honey, but they do much more than that. These hardworking insects are responsible for pollinating plants and flowers, helping to create new growth and maintain plant populations. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bee pollination is responsible for $15 billion worth of agricultural production each year in the United States alone.
Pollination isn’t just important for plants; it’s also crucial for crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In fact, about 75% of the world’s crop species rely on animal pollinators like bees according to a report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). That means no bees could mean no coffee, bananas, or chocolate (gasp!). The consequences of a world without bees would be unsustainable.
Bee Populations Are Steadily Declining
So, why are bee populations declining? Unfortunately, there is no one answer to that question. Instead, it’s a combination of several factors including disease, habitat loss, and pesticide use.
Climate change is having devastating effects on ecology all over the world and bees are no exception. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more extreme, it becomes harder for bees to find the food and water they need to survive. Furthermore, climate change can cause an increase in pests and diseases, which can decimate entire bee colonies.
Habitat loss is also playing a role in declining bee populations as humans continue to develop land for housing and agriculture leaving less room for nature—and importantly—less room for bees. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), about 40% of managed honeybee colonies in the U.S were lost between 2015 and 2016 due largely to colony collapse disorder (CCD). CCD happens when most or all worker bees abandon their hive, leaving behind the queen bee and very few resources. This only happens when colony-oriented insects are under extreme stress.
While scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what causes CCD, they believe it could be attributed to a number of stressors including parasites (some of which also affect dogs), pathogens, poor nutrition, and pesticide exposure.
Pesticides are also having detrimental effects on bee populations as these chemicals can kill bees outright or make them more susceptible to diseases. A 2017 study found that neonicotinoid pesticides—a class of insecticides commonly used in agriculture—can interfere with memory and navigational skills in bees making it difficult for them to find food or their way back to their hive which ultimately leads to death by starvation.
How We Can Help Bees
Unfortunately, bee populations are in decline all over the world due to a variety of factors like disease, pesticide use, and habitat loss. While it may seem like there’s not much we can do to help, there are many things we can do to make a difference. Here are three things you can do to help the bee population:
#1 Plant a Bee-Friendly Garden
Bees are attracted to flowers that are blue, purple, or yellow and have a strong scent. Some bee-friendly (and pet-safe!) flowers include lavender, sunflowers, and daisies. You can also plant trees and shrubs like elderberry, honeysuckle, and dogwood which provide bees with both food and shelter. These plants might also bring hummingbirds to your yard!
#2 Avoid Using Pesticides
Pesticides are one of the leading causes of bee deaths. If you must use pesticides, be sure to use them sparingly and only when necessary. Better yet, switch to organic methods of pest control whenever possible.
#3 Be a Conscientious Consumer
When shopping for products that contain honey or beeswax (like lip balm or candles), look for brands that are certified fair trade or that use sustainable practices. By supporting companies that value bees, you’ll be sending a powerful message that bees matter.
Bees are responsible for about a third of our food supply! Without bees, our food source will be greatly diminished. By making small changes in our everyday lives, we can make a big difference for bees. Plant a bee-friendly garden, use fewer pesticides, and be a conscientious consumer to help conserve wildlife!
