We Need Bees More Than Honey
A world without honey bees is a sobering idea, yet one we may be forced to confront in the not-so-distant future. In fact, some areas of China are already experiencing this nightmare scenario as wild honey bee populations have vanished entirely and people now must pollinate orchards manually.
Why are bees necessary?
The honey bee is a critical contributor to the global food supply, responsible for pollinating as much as 70 of the world's top 100 crops. In fact, it's estimated that one out of every three bites we eat owes its existence to these industrious creatures and other types of pollinators!
Without bees, many fruits and vegetables would soon vanish from our tables - apples, cucumbers, carrots and almonds are just some examples. Coffee lovers may be in for trouble too; this favourite beverage will also disappear if there aren't enough bees around. And what about cotton or plants like sunflowers that provide us with seed-based oils? All gone should we lose our hardworking friends: the honeybees!
If honey bees weren't in existence, our diets would consist predominantly of corn and wheat as these are the few plants that rely on wind pollination. Moreover, alfalfa farmers who depend on bee-pollinated flowers for hay to feed their cows could potentially experience a crisis due to a lack of pollinators. Therefore, even the milk and beef industry would be subjected to serious consequences from Honey Bee's decline.
The honey bee's predicament has been widely discussed in recent years, particularly the sudden explosion of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) beginning in 2006. This occurs when most worker bees pass away all at once and instantly wipe out an entire hive. We still have no real understanding as to what brings about this issue but there are a few theories that may provide insight.
The latest study is extremely disturbing, showing that bees actually prefer plants sprayed with neonicotinoid (nicotine-based) insecticides - despite the fact that these pesticides can cause them to eat less overall. Moreover, these particular bug repellents have been identified as having a detrimental effect on honey bees; from physical and mental disorientation to an inability to recognize flowers. It's clear that this class of insecticides poses serious risks for our buzzing friends.
In addition to other causes, Colony Collapse Disorder might be provoked by the tension of travelling. Most honey bees require transportation to orchards for pollination which can lead to an immense level of stress that could cause a hive's inability to run as usual.
Of all the crucial pollinators in the UK, honey bees are undoubtedly the most significant. Without them, we would not be able to enjoy their one-of-a-kind product: honey. The heavy reliance on imported honey has sparked concern about its purity and safety due to inconsistencies in regulations between countries. Additionally, other pollinators such as bumblebees and other solitary bees often go unnoticed despite being equally important for a healthy ecosystem; they too require specific conditions to survive!
Good news: you can help promote honey bee health by taking a few steps.
A little help to help the bees
1. Make your garden bee-friendly. Have a garden that's both attractive and beneficial to the honey bee population! Discover which flowers and vegetables will draw in bees, then get planting. Not only are you helping our pollinating friends survive, but your backyard garden will be looking amazing as well.
2. Provide a safe home for the wild bees. Constructing a home for bees is an easy and fun DIY project that can be created from lumber, bamboo, or even hollow sticks.
3. Have a bee watering source. Create a mini oasis for your local bees by filling a shallow bowl with rocks as an inviting platform, then topping it off with clean water. Not only will this provide them much-needed hydration, but also the sense of safety they need to reenergize!
4. Purchase your own hive. April to June is the opportune time for aspiring beekeepers to begin their journey - with enough time for the bees to build new combs and stockpile provisions in preparation for winter. Starting with a nucleus of bees during this period will ensure your colony's success as they can thrive without any hindrance.You can start with a hive like this one.
5. Stay away from chemical pesticides. Instead of using chemical products, try making natural alternatives that are safer and just as effective. Have a look on this article about some ideas.
6. Purchase eco products. By backing organic farmers, we can help to safeguard honey bees and the whole environment.
To ensure our own survival, we must take action to protect the bee population. Without bees, our environment and food sources would suffer immensely - a consequence that nobody wishes for. It is thus of utmost importance that we save the bees before it's too late!
