Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, pollinating plants and providing us with food. However, over the past few years, the bee population has declined at an alarming rate. This is a cause for concern as it has a significant impact on the environment and food security in general.

Farmers already into beekeeping know the real value of honey and its profit potential. So, how can we stop the bee decline and help these crucial pollinators thrive? Here are nine ways.

1. Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers and Plants

Bees rely on flowers and plants for nectar and pollen, which are their main sources of food. By planting a variety of flowers and flowering plants in the garden, you can provide a diverse food source for bees. Opt for native plants, as they are suited for the local bee population.

Besides, you can choose a range of plants that bloom throughout the year to ensure a continuous food source for the small creatures.

For fruit farmers, having a beehive or beehives is a game changer. It will scale up pollination in your orchard.

2. Use Bee-Friendly Pesticides

Although you cannot fully go without them, you need to understand the pesticides that may be harmful to bees. The widespread use of neonicotinoids has been a threat to bee colonies. This class of insecticides was introduced as an alternative to older pesticides. When bees come into contact with them, it causes devastating effects on the bee's health, including paralysis, confusion, convulsions, and even death.

In some cases, pesticides lead to bee mortality or even wipe out entire colonies. Instead of using harmful pesticides, you can opt for natural and organic pest control methods.

Another significant threat to honey bees is the widespread use of neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides.

3. Create Bee Habitats

Bees require safe and suitable spaces to build their hives and grow. So, why not help by creating bee-friendly habitats in your garden or on your property? This can be done by keeping a beehive around, leaving small areas of your garden undisturbed, providing nesting materials such as twigs and reeds, and building bee hotels for solitary bees to nest in.

4. Support Local Beekeepers

Beekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining and protecting bee colonies. By supporting them, you help beekeepers sustain their businesses and increase the bee population. You can do this by purchasing honey and other bee products from them or by joining them by becoming a beekeeper.

5. Educate Others

Do you know? Many people are unaware of the importance of bees and the impact of the decline of their population. Educate others about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. Through this, you can raise awareness and encourage others to take action to protect them.

6. Provide a Source of Water

Like anything else, bees need access to water to stay hydrated. You can provide a shallow dish with a few pebbles or twigs for bees to land on. This creates a safe water source for them. Keep the water fresh and clean.

7. Support Biodiversity

A diverse ecosystem is essential for bee survival. Support biodiversity in your garden, community, or area, and provide a variety of food sources and habitats for different bee species to thrive. This can include planting different types of flowers, encouraging natural vegetation, and reducing your mowing frequency.

8. Proper apiary management

Ensure proper apiary management practices such as adequate nutrition, disease management, and hive maintenance. Avoid placing bees in areas with inadequate floral resources.

9. Be a Responsible Gardener

When gardening, be mindful of the impact your actions may have on bees. Avoid removing weeds and wildflowers that bees rely on for food. When pruning or mowing, adopt strategies that are bee-friendly. This way, you can create a bee-friendly environment in your backyard.

Get started with liquid gold with Frutunda

The future of beekeeping is brighter than ever. As more people become aware of the health and environmental benefits that come along with it, the demand for this 'liquid gold' will continue to rise.

At Frutunda, we offer professionally made beehives at an affordable price to help you get started in the right way. Contact us today!

Visit us here at our farm, Ridgeways, along Kigwa Road.

Contact: 0769623300

WhatsApp https://wa.me/254769623300