Benefit of Bees
We all know that bees produce the sweet substance we call honey and produce wax we use for all sorts of products, but what other benefits do bees provide for us?
Bees have been around for millions of years. They're the only insect who can produce an edible food for humans. They also help pollinate fruit trees, 30% of our crops, and 90% of wild plants. Thanks to them and other pollinators we're able to put food on our table.
With the help of the Honey bees cross pollination we can ensure that the wild has a large amount of diversity in plants, creating a healthier ecosystem. Many plants rely on the help of bees for reproduction and many wild animals rely on the bees to pollinate the plants to use the plant as a food source.
http://www.nrdc.org/wildlife/animals/files/bees.pdf
http://www.beemaid.com/bees-and-the-environment
Jem Cuthbert
We all know that bees produce the sweet substance we call honey and produce wax we use for all sorts of products, but what other benefits do bees provide for us?
Bees have been around for millions of years. They're the only insect who can produce an edible food for humans. They also help pollinate fruit trees, 30% of our crops, and 90% of wild plants. Thanks to them and other pollinators we're able to put food on our table.
With the help of the Honey bees cross pollination we can ensure that the wild has a large amount of diversity in plants, creating a healthier ecosystem. Many plants rely on the help of bees for reproduction and many wild animals rely on the bees to pollinate the plants to use the plant as a food source.
http://www.nrdc.org/wildlife/animals/files/bees.pdf
http://www.beemaid.com/bees-and-the-environment
Jem Cuthbert
Why do bees need our help?
Bees are suffering from something called Colony Collapse disorder.
This means Honey bee colonies are losing their workers. Scientists and researchers aren't positive what the direct cause of it is but there are various factors contributing to Colony Collapse disorder. There are various pathogens (Nosema, Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus, as well as other pathogens), Parasites (Varroa Mites), Management stress (relocation of bees cause stress in the colony), and Environmental stress (use of pesticides and lack of diversity in plants).
://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=15572
Jem Cuthbert
Bees are suffering from something called Colony Collapse disorder.
This means Honey bee colonies are losing their workers. Scientists and researchers aren't positive what the direct cause of it is but there are various factors contributing to Colony Collapse disorder. There are various pathogens (Nosema, Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus, as well as other pathogens), Parasites (Varroa Mites), Management stress (relocation of bees cause stress in the colony), and Environmental stress (use of pesticides and lack of diversity in plants).
://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=15572
Jem Cuthbert
"If I remember well, it was Einstein who said: 'Remove the bee from the earth and at the same stroke you remove at least one hundred thousand plants that will not survive.' " -Canadian Bee Journal, 1941
How Can We Help?
With our method of industrial agriculture we have an increased amount of monoculture (production of the same species of plant in abundance). Bees need a diversity of plants off which to survive. Planting a garden with a large diversity of plants and vegetables will make it easier on bees. Native plants will attract native bees, while exotic plants attract honey bees. You can also build a home for the bees in your backyard (davidsuzuki.org). Avoid using pesticides such as neonicotinoids and coumaphos (especially avoid using them together), or try to grow an organic garden. This will not only make the bees happy but will also be beneficial to you and your environment.
http://www.hiveandhoneyapiary.com/Honeybeesandpesticides.html
Jem Cuthbert
With our method of industrial agriculture we have an increased amount of monoculture (production of the same species of plant in abundance). Bees need a diversity of plants off which to survive. Planting a garden with a large diversity of plants and vegetables will make it easier on bees. Native plants will attract native bees, while exotic plants attract honey bees. You can also build a home for the bees in your backyard (davidsuzuki.org). Avoid using pesticides such as neonicotinoids and coumaphos (especially avoid using them together), or try to grow an organic garden. This will not only make the bees happy but will also be beneficial to you and your environment.
http://www.hiveandhoneyapiary.com/Honeybeesandpesticides.html
Jem Cuthbert
What To Plant
Different plants have different growing season
Early: Hazelnut, Blueberry, Crabapple, Willow, Foxglove, Primrose
Mid-Season: Blackberry, Catnip, Chives, Lavender, Sunflower, Raspberry
Late: Aster, Cornflower, Goldenrod, Pumpkin, Squash, Cosmos
Jem Cuthbert
Different plants have different growing season
Early: Hazelnut, Blueberry, Crabapple, Willow, Foxglove, Primrose
Mid-Season: Blackberry, Catnip, Chives, Lavender, Sunflower, Raspberry
Late: Aster, Cornflower, Goldenrod, Pumpkin, Squash, Cosmos
Jem Cuthbert