What Causes Pollinator Decline and Less Diverse Flora?

Bees are not the only pollinators to be affected by environmental factors beyond their control. Bees thrive in wild areas where they have choices for plant species from which to collect pollen. Bees are undoubtedly the most recognizable pollinators, but many factors affect other pollinators as well. Several bee species are at risk, and some are not protected under the Endangered Species Act. As pollinators continue to adapt to fewer food sources and fewer places to safely call home, it is essential that individuals create space for bees to live and pollinate.

Houses and Roads Replace Natural Spaces for Bees

Urban development and other activities can slowly erode natural areas, affecting social and solitary bee species. Although beekeeping efforts are valiant, bees still need everyone's support. One of the most serious factors affecting bee decline is habitat loss. Habitat options become more limited as more roads and development occur in an area. Ground-nesting and hive-dwelling bees are both affected by ongoing urban development. As people choose more magazine-worthy landscapes and roads take the place af open wide spaces, the food sources for bees decline and directly impact their numbers in a region. It is a vicious cycle: fewer pollen sources lead to fewer bees, which in turn lead to less floral diversity. It has often been suggested that those seeking a clean, linear landscape leave some portion of their space to grow naturally and serve as a refuge for bees and other pollinators.

Bad Beekeeping Can Take a Toll

Every beekeeper begins their journey with the best intentions and truly wants to work with bees. However, beekeeping is more work than most people realize, and let’s face it – beekeeping is not for everyone.

Backyard beekeeping has grown significantly, and probably due to the calling to everyone to help keep bees alive. Maintaining hives, checking for diseases, and managing them are difficult for some people, and the hives suffer as a result. Poorly managed hives can affect the colony in one apiary, but this can spread to neighboring apiaries, too. To successfully keep bees, disease must be managed, and queens must be monitored. Ensuring hives have proper nutrition and are protected from the elements in extreme weather are only a few of the tasks of beekeepers. Apiaries must be placed where foraging bees have many options, including water sources. A person can’t just buy a hive and put it up in their backyard and expect to collect honey!

Pesticide Doesn’t Discriminate

Sadly, when people and companies use pesticides, they are only thinking of the pest they are trying to get rid of. However, pesticides do not discriminate, and bees and other pollinators can also be exposed to toxic pesticides. If this is occurring near an apiary, it can completely collapse. It is always recommended to go with a pest control company that uses low-toxicity, eco-friendly products to ensure bees won’t suffer. There are also several home remedies for certain pests that can be very successful. It is understandable to want a pest-free home while still having a bee-friendly garden!

Diversifying Nutrition Sources

Bees need pollen as their food source. It provides them with the nutrients they need to grow and raise baby bees. The more diverse the flora portfolio is, the better the bees' health will be and the greater the chance of survival. Poor nutrition, caused by drought and other environmental factors, can reduce the diversity of pollen choices, but intentionally planting can significantly help bees get what they need year-round. Imagine only having one thing to eat every single day – that is what happens when bees are limited to options for pollen collection. As imagined, diversity is key in healthy bee colonies in the region.