Everything we see in nature depends to a great extent on bees: they are responsible for the reproduction of most plant species and, consequently, for all living beings to be able to feed ourselves.
75% of the world’s crops depend on their pollination or that of other insects. In other words, without bees there is no life. However, currently they are dying at a rate of 30% per year, a rate that represents twice what is considered normal.
The cause of this accelerated mortality has to do with pollution, global warming, agrochemicals and other factors that have humans as the main culprits.
It is everyone’s responsibility to save them. But what can we do?
1. Plant native flowers and plants
One of the most effective ways to help bees is to plant flowers and plants that they can pollinate. Some of the ones that are most attractive to them are sunflowers, poppies, marigolds, geraniums, lavender, and others such as thyme or coriander.
In addition, you have to check that they are native plants, that is, that they grow naturally in the area where you live. Native plants balance the ecosystem, however, those that are not, interfere with the food chain and the life of other plants, insects and animals.
2. Avoid chemicals and pesticides
Pesticides and herbicides are promoted as friends of plants, but the reality is that they are enemies of bees and life in general. Chemicals designed to kill some species can harm others, and bees are one of them.
If some insects are damaging your garden, opt for alternatives such as natural fungicides or insect predators of pests such as ladybugs and praying mantises.
3. Support bee-friendly projects
Many people and groups are becoming aware of the need to do something for bees. For example, the creators of SeedBomb, who are reforesting from the air, or this 11-year-old girl who started a lemonade business to help bees with the money she raises.
Sometimes collaborating with ventures like these can be as simple as buying a bottle of lemonade and you just need to know how to do it.
4. Seed Bombs
The seed bombs are an ingenious idea to reforest and help the bees in their task of pollinating and reproducing the flora. These are balls of substrate with seeds that can be thrown on the ground to make them grow. They are ideal for teaching children to do something for the planet.
You can make them yourself:
Materials
- Edible seed mix
- Substratum
- Clay
- Water
Process
1. Mix 10 parts soil with 1 part clay, and add a small amount of water. Knead until you achieve a homogeneous consistency.
2. When it’s ready, flatten the clay, cover it with a layer of seeds and roll it up.
3. Make balls three centimeters in diameter.
4. Throw them on the ground to make them bloom!
5. Hotels for bees
Hotels or sanctuaries for bees are a fun idea but they can also be very grateful for these small insects.
These are structures, usually made of wood, with holes and tunnels, which, installed in a garden or balcony, serve to house solitary bees (those that have the task of traveling long distances from flower to flower) and make their task of pollinating plant species.
The sanctuaries can be very beautiful, and also, if you have a garden or flower plants that you would like to see multiplied, nothing better than attracting bees to your garden!
Here you can learn how to build it.
6. Consume alternatives to honey or agroecological honey
Bees produce honey to have a reserve of energy for the winter, that is, they need it. Since it takes effort to produce it, it is good for them that we do not take it away from them. In addition, those who produce it in large quantities often exploit bees in an unfriendly and ecological way.
It is recommended to use vegetable alternatives such as agave syrup, brown sugar, fructose, stevia, maple syrup, malt extract or molasses. You can also consume honey that comes from organic and conscious producers who take care of their bees.
7. Spread the word!
Many people do not know how important bees are for life. Share this information with them!