Why Bees Matter to Humans
The conservation of honey bees is something that we should all take seriously as humans. Research indicates that honey bee populations are declining for a variety of reasons. While some of these reasons are preventable, it is up to humans to take steps to protect our honey bee populations. Without them, our global ecosystem would be off-kilter, greatly impacting our food supplies, other species and the environment overall.
Did you know that about 70 of the top 100 foods grown today rely on the work of pollinators? Without the hard work of bees, many foods that regularly make an appearance on our dinner tables would no longer exist. While it can seem hard to believe that bees play such a huge role in our agricultural systems around the world, it is true and it is our responsibility to do what we can to protect them.
Bees and Our Ecosystem
Honey bees play a role in the larger ecosystem as well. Forager bees, who can visit hundreds of flowers in a day, transfer pollen and help plant species to reproduce. While some of these plants are directly edible by humans, many of the plants bees pollinate are food for our livestock as well as native birds, other animals and insects. Needless to say, without bees, it isn’t just our dinner plates that would be affected. Many species of plants and animals would not be able to survive.
What puts bees at risk?
As we mentioned earlier, there are a variety of factors that are impacting the health and safety of the honey bee population. One factor are mites and the diseases that come from them. The very common mite called the Varroa Mite can kill whole entire colonies of bees if left unchecked.
Habitat loss is yet another factor. As new buildings, housing complexes and parking lots are being built, many of the natural habitats and eating sources for honey bees are eliminated or completely changed so that they no longer support wildlife. Climate change has also been shown to be a serious issue impacting bee species.
One of the most concerning factors that impact the health of honey bees are pesticides. Pesticides are commonly used to eliminate pests. However, these harmful chemicals can have a very negative impact on bees who may be visiting these crops for food. Not to mention animals and humans that come into contact with the chemicals.
What can you do to help honey bees?
While the plight of honey bees might sound dire, the good news is that there are things that we can do as individuals and communities to help protect honey bee populations. Here’s a list of some of our favorite ways you can help:
Provide places for bees to eat and drink. Plant bee friendly flowers in your garden. If you live in a place where you can’t have a garden, plant them on your windowsills, front steps or any small outdoor space. By providing more places for bees to forage, you can offset just some of their habitat loss. Also, provide places for bees to access water. Bees bring water back to their hives and use it to cool the hive.
Support local beekeepers. Your local beekeepers do a lot of work and research into honey bees. By supporting their work or purchasing honey from them, you can ensure that you are supporting those who maintain positive bee practices.
If you find you do have an infestation on your property, do not call an exterminator who will use chemicals to remove the bees. Instead, opt for a live bee removal company who will not use harmful chemicals in their processes.
Spread the word. Become an advocate of the honey bee by sharing what you know with others so that they can help take steps to protect them.
Honey bees play a vital role in our ecosystem and must be protected by us humans where possible. If you live in the San Diego area and have noticed a large hive or swarm on your property, do not attempt to remove the bees on your own or hire a run-of-the-mill exterminator who uses harmful pesticides. Opt for a live bee removal provider who will take steps to preserve honey bees throughout the process.
D-Tek Live Bee Removal has proudly served the San Diego area for more than 15 years. When you have a bee hive or swarm that is posing a potential danger to your family or customers, give D-Tek Live Bee Removal a call today. Our staff is standing by to help you rid your home of honey bees quickly and efficiently.