Saving the Bees Is Not Just for Beekeepers

In 2025, there is an opportunity for everyone to get on board to save the bees. Beekeeping is not the only way to help save bees, and people who have limited space, time, and money or are allergic to bees can still contribute in significant and sustainable ways. We have all heard and know that bees are incredibly valuable and vital pollinators to plant variations, reproduction, and a substantial portion of our food supply. Crop pollination is critical, and many want to help bees but get stuck on how. Planting bee-friendly gardens, providing water, avoiding pesticides, and supporting local beekeepers are some practical ways everyone can play a part in the well-being and survival of our very valuable bee friends.

Bee-Friendly Planting Provides Plentiful Resources

Rooftop gardens, balconies, and windowsill planters can be filled with bee-friendly plants that provide foraging sources for bees. Flowering plants in proximity and the flight path of bees in the area allow bees to collect nectar and pollen, take it back to their hives, use it for food, and raise their brood. Honeybees will also share their delicious products with harvesting beekeepers, who often make local products available for purchase. Local honey is known to have several health benefits, including help with sleep and mild allergies. Anyone allergic to bee stings should not ingest honey without consulting a doctor.

The time is coming soon when gardeners begin to think about what they will plant this year. When making these decisions, climate and space are always factors. This year, incorporate bee-friendly flowers and plants in your garden plan and help bees without extra effort! You may be wondering what makes a flower bee-friendly. Things including color, shape, and size are all factors. Other factors are chemical-free flowers that bloom individually and at a good time for bees to forage. Although spring and summer may be the only times people think of planting in their gardens, there are late-season blooms that benefit bees and other pollinators. Helping bees survive winters and colder weather is helpful no matter where you live.

Bees Need Water, and It’s Easy to Provide

Water is one of the easiest ways to help support healthy bee populations in your area. Bees, like all living things, require water for survival. Bees also need water, and leaving water sources out for them is helpful, especially in the hotter and colder months of the year. Bess can't swim, so if you choose to support bees in this way, leave a piece of sponge, rocks, or a stick for bees to perch upon as they lap up the water they need. Remember that the bees out foraging and collecting water take it back to the hive, providing everything all the bees in the hive, including the queen and babies, with everything they need to survive.

Birdbaths, shallow pie pans, or buckets with somewhere for bees to rest will do—they aren't fussy! Water doesn't need to be pristine; it can have some dirt in it because bees can use the extra nutrients. Everyone can leave water out for bees with very little effort!

Stay Away from Toxic Pest Control Treatments

Pesticides are being grossly overused in gardens even though there is no debate about their devastating side effects. Pesticides and herbicides are known to be negative factors in pollination. CCD pesticides contain neonicotinoids, which decline pollination. Bees forage, some up to five miles, so doing your part not to use toxic pesticides in your garden can significantly impact bees' health and survival in your area. There are practical and non-toxic ways to treat unwanted pests in your garden and home. Ask your local beekeepers how they manage pests because you inevitably have the same ones! Skilled bee removal companies treat bees humanely and relocate them without killing them.