Why Do Native Bees Matter?
Bees do more than just buzz around and create sweet treats. They are the thread that keeps our food system and ecosystem alive by pollinating crops, wildflowers, native plants, and maintaining the biodiversity of our planet.
So, what's the difference between native and non-native bees? Well, native bees and pollinators have always been here. However, honey bees, the new bees in town, were introduced during colonization. Since then, they have gradually wiped out many native pollinators and massively disrupted our ecosystems.
In North America alone, there are over 4,000 species of native bees that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. And they are excellent pollinators! Unlike honeybees, native bees are solitary creatures that live in the wild, and they are highly efficient at pollinating flowers because they have evolved to fit into specific niches in their local ecosystems.
These native bees are also better adapted to deal with local pests and diseases than non-native bees. They help maintain the biodiversity of our planet by pollinating wildflowers, which in turn provide food and habitat for a wide variety of other species, including birds, butterflies, and mammals. Without these native bees, many of these species would struggle to survive.
"Pollinators are the glue that holds our ecosystems together." - David Attenborough
Because of habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and commercial beekeeping, we are putting these pollinators in jeopardy. As we continue to develop and expand our cities and towns, we are destroying the natural habitats that native bees rely on for food and shelter. Pesticides, which are often used to control crop pests, can also kill bees and other beneficial insects. Climate change is altering the timing of flowering and the availability of food for bees, which can disrupt their natural life cycles.
But there’s hope! We can help protect native bees.
Here are some things we can do:
● Create a habitat for native bees by leaving patches of wildflowers in our gardens or restoring large areas of degraded habitat.
● Drastically reduce our use of pesticides and choose bee-friendly products whenever possible.
● Support local conservation organizations that are working to protect native bee populations.
● Divest from commercial beekeeping and turn to alternative forms of honey, like Mellody! Native bees are crucial to our health and the health of our planet. It's time to protect these essential pollinators from extinction. By creating habitat, reducing pesticide use, supporting conservation efforts, and consuming less bee-made honey, we can help ensure that native bees continue to pollinate our crops and preserve the biodiversity of our planet for generations to come.
