There is nothing like looking throughout a garden’s landscape to see these little remarkable machines at work. Their attention to detail and work ethic are unmatched, but sadly their under attack.
According to the USDA, pesticides play a key roll in their demise, as do the Varroa mite, bad weather and starvation. The good news is statistics are showing progress in the right direction. Key factors to this positive news is education. By collaborating with farmers and educated them when to use pesticides has helped bee colonies become less stressed which studies show gives the bees a Fighting Chance.
The Varroa mite, which is a blood sucking parasite that can wipe out a colony in weeks has been a thorn in beekeepers side for decades now. Positive steps have been made in figuring out ways to defeat this little monster, and it starts at the hives entrance. Check link below to see how this process is being accomplished.
http://beecare.bayer.com/media-center/videos/detail/a-new-solution-for-healthy-honey-bee-hives
Bees play a huge role in the economic development of not only our country but the worlds. Farmers across the globe rely on these little workhorses to pollinate crops to ensure a successful bounty at the end of the growing season.
It is my hope that after you read this, you understand the importance that bees play in our ecosystem and that you stop and appreciate them a little more the next time you look through your garden. I end with a resource of trees, plants and shrubs you can incorporate into your landscape to ensure a healthy bee population.
