Bees are essential to the health of our planet. They play a crucial role in pollination, and without them, our food supply would be in danger.
Many people are afraid of bees, but if you learn how to make friends with them, they can be a great asset to your garden! In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of befriending bees and teach you how to do it safely and effectively.
What are the benefits of befriending bees
By “befriending” bees, we mean doing whatever you can to support their life cycles. We understand that some of you may have allergies and can’t risk keeping them on your property. In those cases, be sure to call us for safe removal if at all possible. With that said, here are some benefits of befriending bees if they show up on your property:
- Better pollination and fertilization of plants for your garden
- Contribute to a calming outdoor environment
- Deters other pests from infiltrating your property
- Free entertainment: that’s right, these little ones are actually fun to watch
Of course, this is all in addition to the positives that bees bring to the environment and food supplies.
How can you make friends with bees safely and effectively
It’s no secret that bees are in decline. In recent years, colony collapse disorder has become a serious problem, leading to a sharp decline in the bee population.
While there are many factors contributing to this problem, one of the most important is the loss of habitat. As development encroaches on natural areas, bees are finding it increasingly difficult to find places to build their hives.
This is why it’s so important not to panic if you see them taking up residence around your property. By creating a bee-friendly environment, you can help these vital pollinators thrive.
Providing a water source for bees, such as a small birdbath or dish filled with fresh water can provide colonies with the hydration they need to survive. You can also plant bee-friendly flowers and trees to provide them with a source of food.
Choose blooms in shades of blue, purple, and yellow to attract them to your garden. Avoid using pesticides, as they can harm bees (and other beneficial insects). Taking these steps can create a garden that is both beautiful and bee-friendly.
What to do if you are stung by a bee
If you do decide to allow bees on your property, be extra careful when in close proximity. Although they are vital to our ecosystem, they can still sting if they feel threatened.
If you are unfortunate enough to get stung by a bee, there are some things you can do to relieve the pain and swelling. Apply a cold compress to the area for several minutes. You can also take an antihistamine to reduce the itching and swelling. If you have a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
Most people are not allergic to bee stings and can treat them at home. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a medical professional if you have any doubts.
What are the benefits of a bee-friendly garden
A bee-friendly garden can provide many benefits to a homeowner. By providing a safe and hospitable environment for bees, a bee-friendly garden can help to:
- Speed up reproduction in plants
- Accelerate growth of fruits and vegetables if raising food in your garden
- Increase the overall biodiversity of your immediate environment
- Eliminate specific threats, such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs
If you’d rather not have a big garden, bees can help there as well, but you may have to give us a call to help relocate and maintain a manageable population.
Bees are essential to the health of our planet, and by befriending them, we can all play a role in keeping our food supply healthy. It is important to remember that bees should be treated with respect and caution, but with a little bit of know-how, you can create a bee-friendly garden and enjoy all the benefits they have to offer.Are your bee guests in need of some attention and perhaps a new home? Little Giant Beekeepers has the know-how and experience to find a proper environment for these precious creatures if you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and are dealing with overpopulation. Give us a call or send us an email today to learn about your options.
