We’ve all heard about the ongoing plight of the bee, particularly Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD is an alarming and mysterious phenomenon in which the workers abruptly disappear, often leaving behind their brood and Queen. This is mysterious in that honey bees are are normally very social insects and will defend their hive and Queen with their lives. While the debate regarding the causes of CCD continues, there are a few simple things we can do to help the bees.
- When encountering bees, don’t be intimidated. Most bees are not aggressive unless they are provoked.
- Make your garden, patio pots and window boxes bee-friendly. (Here are a couple of great sites for info on urban bee gardens. Nature.Berkeley.edu and The Melissa Garden. )
- Avoid, limit, or if possible, eliminate pesticides.
- Buy organic food. It’s no secret that buying organic protects humans and bees (and other pollinators) from harmful pesticides.
- Buy local honey. Eating local honey may help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Allow a beekeeper to maintain a hive or two on your property. More information may be found at OutdoorPlace.Org.
- Bee swarm removal – do not call an exterminator! Instead contact a local beekeeper through your state or county honey and beekeeping association. HoneyO.com has links and information that you may find helpful.
- Set up a bee bath. Bees need water too. I don’t believe that the birds would mind sharing, so you could modify an existing bird bath for bees by adding a few pebbles for them to land on.
- Stop by GreatSunflower.org to find other ways to help bees.
- Become a hobby beekeeper like Cindy at The Bee Lady from Hilltop Farm.
