How to Help Bees 🐝

Threats to Bees

In 2007, honey bees began disappearing. Beekeepers across the United States reported that adult worker bees were leaving their nests, queens, larvae, and resources with no apparent cause. Large, industrial bee keepers suffered dramatic losses. Colony collapse disorder (CCD) brought public attention to the importance of pollinators, human impact on their health, and the consequences of their potential loss.

Multiple factors contribute to honey bee colony loss:

• Diseases
• Parasites
• Pesticides
• Long-distance transportation of colonies
• Winter survival rates
• Limited floral resources
• Fluctuations in the honey market

The most pressing threats to long-term bee survival include:

• Climate change
• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Invasive plants and bees
• Low genetic diversity
• Pathogens spread by commercially managed bees
• Pesticides

Help?

Build a pollinator garden with wildflowers

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators need nectar as their primary food source, and female bees collect pollen as food for their offspring. Native plants, which are adapted to local soils and climates, are the best sources of nectar and pollen. Most native plants are low-maintenance and don’t need irrigation or fertilizers.

Enhance nesting spots

Many bees nest in downed wood, hollow stems, brush piles, stone walls, and storage sheds. Ground-nesters like areas of loose, recently disturbed soil. To boost “renter” bee populations around your house, consider installing bamboo stalks, blocks of wood with drilled holes, or nesting straws. 

Be cautious with pesticides

Consider reducing pesticide use or switching to organic herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Apply pesticides early or late in the day to avoid impacting bees when they are most actively foraging.

Honey bees aren’t the only bees at risk. At least 45% of Europe’s bumblebees are in population decline due to habitat fragmentation and loss of foraging plants. In North America, four species of bumblebees are in decline and one is already extinct. We know much less about the conservation status of solitary species. Recent evidence suggests that 49 eastern North American bee species are in decline, including ground nesters, stem and cavity nesters, narrow host-plant specialists, and brood parasites.

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1. Plant a Bee Garden

One of the largest threats to bees is a lack of safe habitat where they can build homes and find a variety of nutritious food sources. By planting a bee garden, you can create a habitat corridor with plants that are rich in pollen and nectar. You don’t need a ton of space to grow bee-friendly plants — gardens can be established across yards and in window boxes, flower pots, and planters. You can also get involved with local organizations and governments to find opportunities to enrich public and shared spaces.

2. Go Chemical-Free for Bees

Synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and neonicotinoids are harmful to bees, wreaking havoc on their sensitive systems. Avoid treating your garden and green spaces with synthetics. Instead, use organic products and natural solutions such compost to aid soil health and adding beneficial insects that keep pests away like ladybugs and praying mantises.

3. Become a Citizen Scientist

Join a global movement to collect data on our favorite pollinators! Gather photos and other information about native bees and upload them to the iNaturalist app. Make it a group activity for friends by hosting a BeeBlitz event! Together, we can learn about the bees in various sites and cities and identify opportunities for nurturing them.

4. Provide Trees for Bees

Did you know that bees get most of their nectar from trees? When a tree blooms, it provides hundreds — if not thousands — of blossoms to feed from. Trees are not only a great food source for bees, but also an essential habitat. Tree leaves and resin provide nesting material for bees, while natural wood cavities make excellent shelters. With deforestation and development on the rise, you can help bolster bee habitats by caring for trees and joining tree-planting parties in your area.

5. Create a Bee Bath

Bees work up quite a thirst foraging and collecting nectar. Fill a shallow bird bath or bowl with clean water, and arrange pebbles and stones inside so that they break the water’s surface. Bees will land on the stones and pebbles to take a long, refreshing drink.

6. Build Homes for Native Bees

Did you know that, with the exception of honeybees, most bees are solitary creatures? 70% of solitary bees live underground, while 30% live in holes inside of trees or hollow stems. Species like bumble bees build their nests in undisturbed land, and you can provide safe haven for them by leaving an untouched plot of land for them in your garden! “Bee condos” — which have small tube “apartments” — allow species like mason bees to take up residence. They’re easy to make or purchase. Our Sponsor-a-Hive program places solitary bee homes in gardens, schools, and communities around the U.S. and Canada.

7. Give Beehives and Native Bee Homes

Keep honeybees, nurture native bees, or help gardens and schools around the U.S. and Canada grow food and strengthen local environments. Our Sponsor-a-Hive program creates safe havens for precious pollinators in underserved communities by supplying the tools, gear, and education needed to successfully home bees. Donate to our program or apply to receive a home for your group or organization.

8. Teach Tomorrow’s Bee Stewards

Inspire the next generation of eco citizens with guides, lessons, and activities to get them buzzed about bees! Educators can use our collection of free resources to bring nature and ecology into the classroom — and the hearts of children everywhere.

9. Host a Fundraiser

Host a fundraiser online or do something you love to help #BeeTheSolution. Your #BeeTheSolution fundraising events create community building and information sharing opportunities that inspire while raising funds for The Bee Conservancy programs. It’s an easy, fun way to make a serious impact.

10. Support Local Beekeepers and Organizations

Local beekeepers work hard to nurture their bees and the local community. The easiest way to show your appreciation is to buy locally-made honey and beeswax products. Many beekeepers use products from their hives to create soaps, lotions, and beeswax candles. Plus, local honey is not only delicious — it is made from local flora and may help with seasonal allergies! You can also give time, resources, and monetary donations to local beekeeping societies and environmental groups to help their programs grow.