Bees are a Big Deal in our Ecosystem

By Alex Martin

(Alex joined Alabama Outdoors in October 2018. The Lexington, Ky., native has a background in social media marketing and retail. She grew up spending summers at her grandparents’ farm and also has spent many years on working horse farms learning about the equine industry. With a love for animals and the outdoors, she hopes to own her own flock of backyard chickens one day soon.)

bee-on-a-flowerBees are small creatures in our large world but a mighty part of our ecosystem. As pollinators bees support the growth of trees, flowers, and plants. 90 percent of all plants require cross-pollination to thrive. 

These plants serve as food and shelter for other creatures. Our ecosystem is intricately connected and bees are more of a key component than you might think.

However, in recent years there has been a significant decline in the bee populations around the world. The reason behind their decline could be linked to climate change, habitat loss, or the use of toxic pesticides. National Honey Bee Day on August 21, so let’s explore why bees are so important to us!

Bees pollinate flowers and crops

When bees collect nectar and pollen to fuel their flights they unintentionally move pollen from flower to flower. Pollen grains become stuck to the hair on their body when they are foraging and those grains are then moved from plant to plant resulting in pollination. Bees not only pollinate wildflowers, but also agricultural crops.

Many of our favorite crops require pollination in order to germinate and grow. This is an essential step in the production of more than 100 U.S. crops. Apples, strawberries, cashews, onions, coffee … the list goes on for crops that heavily rely on bees for pollination purposes.

Even alfalfa crops that are used to feed dairy cows are dependent on bees for pollination. If our bees disappear, some of our favorite foods will likely go away as well. It’s not just fruit and vegetable crops that depend on pollinators. Wild plants count on pollinators as well. These wild plants serve as a food source and habitat for the wildlife around them. While there are other methods that facilitate pollination like gravity, wind, butterflies, and birds, our bee population are the main insect pollinators.

Bees are responsible for one of every three bites of food we consume. They support healthy crops and food production which in turn feeds millions of people and livestock. 

Bee by-products

Bees also produce several things that we use in our daily lives, including:

Honey: While many people use it as a sweetener, it also considered to be a nutrient and an antioxidant.

Beeswax: You can find this rich product in creams and cosmetics, as well as candles.

Bee pollen: This protein-rich substance contains all the essential amino acids, various fatty acids, vitamins B, C, D, E and K, and provitamin A. Some people take it as a supplement, although it can trigger allergic reactions.

How to help protect bees

There are ways to contribute and help protect the bees! 

  • Fill your garden with bee-friendly flowers. Marigolds are a popular choice for a bee garden!
  • Avoid using pesticides or opt for a more natural alternative. Ladybugs and praying mantises will keep pests away. 
  • Support your local farmers and buy local honey! Local honey can sometimes even help with seasonal allergies by familiarizing your body to local allergens.
  • Spread awareness. People have misconceptions about bees. Bees are typically not a danger when left unprovoked.

Before you buzz off, check out #BeeTheSolution for ways to take action and to continue to educate yourself on bee conservation. 

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