There are insects that play a very important role in the conservation of ecosystems and, however, they are seriously threatened. Luckily, we are increasingly aware of how important it is to respect the natural environment and all the living beings in it and, therefore, many of us are interested in help the bees.
They are great pollinators, but their number has been decreasing in recent years, which makes it interesting to adopt measures so that hives increase their number of inhabitants. Let's see what can be done.
Why should we help the bees?
Because they play a fundamental role within ecosystems at a global level. These little insects help:
Pollinate plants
They are among the main pollinators. Although they have their favorite flowers, the truth is that they are attracted to all species with striking colors.
Bees visit flowers to obtain the nectar and pollen on which they feed and, in doing so, They carry pollen on their legs and bodies, a phenomenon that causes fertilization when they go from one plant to another.
Biodiversity
Its pollinating activity contributes to the genetic diversity of plants and the diversity of other organisms. Because plants that attract bees are also attractive to other pollinators, which They find food and shelter in them.
Food production
It is estimated that just over 75% of food crops worldwide depend on the action of pollinators such as bees. Without them, harvests could be drastically reduced, which It would have a strong impact on the global economy.
Other ecosystem services
In addition to pollination, bees provide other services to the ecosystem. They help maintain soil fertility and quality which, in turn, stimulates the growth of new plants that stabilize the soil.
Ecosystem health
The presence of bees is an indicator of the general health of an ecosystem. If there are healthy bee populations, that means the ecosystem can maintain balance between plants and animals.
Economy and agriculture
Bees have an important economic value, because they pollinate agricultural crops and, at the same time, are honey producers.
Globally, the beekeeping industry provides a livelihood for millions of people, thus contributing to the social and economic development of rural regions.
Why have the number of bees decreased in recent years?
Globally, bee populations have decreased in recent decades, something that is due to multiple factors:
- Loss of their habitat. The advance of urbanization, deforestation and intensive agriculture are leaving bees without areas in which to nest, reproduce and feed.
- Use of pesticides. These products affect the nervous system of insects, weaken their immune system and make them more sensitive to diseases and parasites.
- Climate change. Changes in plant flowering patterns caused by changes in climate are depleting the food resources available to bees.
- exotic species. The arrival of invasive species into ecosystems means an increase in competition to obtain food.
- Environmental stress. Air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity and soil degradation directly affect the health and resistance of bees.
How to help the bees?
Now that you know a little better about the important role they play in nature, you may have decided to take steps to help bee populations grow in your region. To do this, you can implement these tips:
Plant flowers attractive to bees
Fill your garden or your pots with species that provide nectar and pollen. Native species are often best suited to attract local bees, because they have evolved together over time.
If wildflowers grow in your garden, don't get rid of them, because they are especially attractive to bees.
Do not use pesticides and herbicides
As far as possible, try not to use chemical pesticides and herbicides, because they cause great damage to bee populations and other insects, also beneficial to plants such as ladybugs.
To control pests and treat diseases, preferably choose natural and less toxic methods. Some alternatives are biological insecticides, vegetable oils and insecticidal soaps.
Provide shelter and habitat
You can provide shelter for bees through insect hotels, which are structures in which they can nest. You can too enhance their natural habitat by leaving the land unplowed and letting wild plants grow.
Offer water
Like all animals, bees need water to survive. In fact, it is not strange to see them hanging around fountains and pools.
To help the bees you can place shallow waterers with clean, fresh water in your garden or terrace. Include some gravel or a floating cork so they can rest on it and not drown.
Consciously manage the garden
When pruning plants, think about bees. Before putting the scissors in, make sure there are no insects looking for pollen or nectar among the flowers.
If possible, do not use the lawnmower and other noisy tools during times of day when bees are most active, as this can cause stress and cause them to leave.
Participate in conservation programs
In many local communities it is beginning to be common the existence of conservation programs or groups, which encompass people and entities that work to protect bees and their habitat.
Even if you are not part of this type of group, if you notice that there is a significant change in the behavior of bees, or that their numbers have decreased drastically, inform the experts.
Also, make sure you educate children about the importance of helping bees to conserve them. It is essential that new generations are aware that they must take care of the environment, which includes both plants and animals.
By following these tips we can all help the bees, and get their communities to recover little by little. With these simple actions, we are doing a lot to take care of the ecosystem.