Have you ever heard of a bee house? I sure hadn’t until I was researching how to help our bee population. You can be crafty and make one or simply purchase a bee house, sometimes known as a bee hotel, and run your own B&B to help these busy pollinators!
I’m guessing you’re wondering “Debby, why in the world would you want me to attract bees into my yard?”
Good question, here’s why:
Pollinators are creatures that assist in the fertilization of plants by moving pollen from the male part (anther) of a flower to the female part (stigma) of another flower. This exchange allows the plant to produce seeds, fruits, and new plants.
While some plants can reproduce without the help of pollinators, many plants, especially those that produce fruits and seeds, depend on this process.
It’s estimated that about 75 percent of flowering plants and nearly 35% of global food crops rely on animal pollination.
Bees by far are the most important and well-know pollinators. They account for a large proportion of pollination worldwide. There are over 20,000 species of bees, and they vary greatly in behavior.
Honeybees are the most common commercial pollinators, but wild bees, such as bumblebees, also perform essential pollination functions. Bees are particularly effective because they have specialized body structures, like hairy bodies and pollen baskets, that make them excellent at transferring pollen.
Here are four simple steps to help our busy little friends:
• Plant pollinator friendly gardens. You don’t have to go crazy with it, just add in some native flowers and plants. Plant a variety that bloom at different times to ensure a steady supply of food during the season. Include shrubs, trees, and herbs that attract butterflies, bees and birds. The wider the diversity, the better the habitat.
• Reduce pesticide and herbicide use. Opt for organic methods, remember grandma wasn’t spraying her garden with chemicals. If you must use pesticides, apply them during times when pollinators are not active, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid spraying when plants are blooming.
• Provide water sources. Pollinators need water to survive, just like any other creatures. Providing a small water source in your garden can help them stay hydrated. You can set up a shallow dish with stones or twigs where bees and other pollinators can safely drink without drowning. A shallow pond or birdbath can also serve as a water source for various pollinators, especially in dry seasons.
• Leave a patch of wildness. Pollinators such as solitary bees and some butterflies use deadwood, leaf piles, and other undisturbed areas for nesting and shelter. Rather than cleaning up everything in your garden, consider leaving a few areas undisturbed.
If the idea of a bee house or hotel intrigues you, you can purchase or create these, they are made from materials like wood, bamboo, or drilled logs to provide a safe nesting place. If that is going too far for you, just adapting these simple ideas will help our hardworking friends thrive in our area and keep our ecosystem up and running. It’s important that we take care of each other, creatures big and small.
Happy Gardening!
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