Bees sting. Stingers hurt. Some say they are frightening pests. Why should we love them?

A 2006 study found that in the U.S., bees annually pollinate more than $14 billion worth of seeds and crops, like fruit, vegetables, and nuts. In the UK, they pollinate $420 million worth of crops.

Bees ensure continued survival of plants and other organisms which depend on those plants.

Albert Einstein is believed to have said, “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.” Bees are harmonious, productive, and intelligent creatures.

Due to the effects of pesticides, the stress of transportation in over-sized vehicles, the crowded structure of the modern commercial beehive, interaction with genetically modified crops, and a variety of other factors, bees are dying in record numbers. As is the case of many factory-farmed animals, bees are being fed an unnatural diet, designed to bulk up bees for production.

Ordinarily, bees eat a diet of bee pollen and honey, however many commercial beekeepers are feeding them a diet based on glucose/fructose syrup. Because of these reasons and more, bees are suffering from Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD. CCD basically means that bees abandon their nests and cannot seem to find their way back to their nests. They then become lost and they die.

It used to be that a 10% loss over a season was normal. When mites were an issue, the number would rise to 30% loss. But with Colony Collapse Disorder, bee colony losses are reported at 70 to 80%.

What can we do?

Support your local organic honey farmer. Buy honey from your local farmer’s market or health food store. It’s healthier for you, and friendlier to the bee!

Plant some flowers in your yard. Bees particularly like heathers, crocuses, primroses, aubrieta, comfrey, poppies, lavender, honeysuckle, and much more.

Give up using insecticide sprays. There are natural ways to ward off certain insects.

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