If we are all to eat and survive, the world needs bees. Because these busy little creatures are the pollinators of more than a third of all our food crops and about 90% of wild flowers, ensuring they survive, thrive and flourish. So, this year on World Bee Day we are celebrating by spreading the word about we all need to play our part in saving the bees. Here are a few simple ways that you can make a difference:
Become a pollinator champ
Create a pollinator friendly garden by planting colourful flowers and growing single petal plans. Download Candide the free gardening app for information about which plants are bee-friendly.
Know your weeds
Think about the bees before pulling out any weeds – some weeds are great sources of pollen and nectar for hardworking bees gathering their late food sources before winter comes.
Support local
By buying local raw honey, you support local beekeepers and their bees, and consequently the environmental health of your town or city, as well as your own health.
Know your bees
There are over 20,000 species worldwide – but here in South Africa, we’re looking at Apis mellifera (European honey bee) and the Cape Honeybee (Apis mellifera capensis). Talk to your nearest beekeeper to learn more.
Avoid
all pesticides and chemicals in your garden.
Don’t swot the swarm
Swarming is a natural process that occurs when colonies of bees have outgrown their hive. If you see a swarm, contact a local beekeeper or beekeeper’s association, but be sure to choose an eco-conscious individual or group who will collect swarms to keep or relocate them to a safer new home rather than destroy them. Bees in a swarm are gentle and present very little danger, but can be made aggressive if disturbed or sprayed with water. Just leave them alone and wait for help to arrive.
