So how can we help?
There are many easy ways to make a difference in how we treat and help bees.
Grow Out Your Lawn:
A simple but helpful action is growing out your lawn (grass) a few extra inches just by mowing less often. Designate an area of your lawn to not mow at all. Weeds aren't a bad thing when it comes to bees. They love natural flowers (weeds). A few extra inches of grass will make a huge
difference. Dandelions and
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clover, things we think of as lawn weeds, are a favorite food source for native bees. And mowing the lawn less frequently means more time for other things we want to do. It can make a big difference for plants and pollinators.
A simple but helpful action is growing out your lawn (grass) a few extra inches just by mowing less often. Designate an area of your lawn to not mow at all. Weeds aren't a bad thing when it comes to bees. They love natural flowers (weeds). A few extra inches of grass will make a huge
difference. Dandelions and
Source unknown
clover, things we think of as lawn weeds, are a favorite food source for native bees. And mowing the lawn less frequently means more time for other things we want to do. It can make a big difference for plants and pollinators.
Put Out a Water Source:
Believe it or not, bees need water just like you and I! It is very simple to put out a water source (such as a bird-bath or bucket) to help the bees. You can leave a few rocks in the bird bath or sponges in a bucket for the bees to stand on. Be sure to change it every few days!
Believe it or not, bees need water just like you and I! It is very simple to put out a water source (such as a bird-bath or bucket) to help the bees. You can leave a few rocks in the bird bath or sponges in a bucket for the bees to stand on. Be sure to change it every few days!
Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers, Shrubs, and Trees:
When it comes to gardens, plant things that bees like. Plant native plants. Native means local to your area/region. Native plants are important, and remember - no pesticides! Organic and natural plants are best in order to insure that the plants were not treated with harmful insecticides. Buy organically-grown plants and flowers from a local flower shop. Ask questions about pesticide use.
To learn more, click on the links below:
https://www.keepingbackyardbees.com/10-facts-planting-honeybees/
Here is an interesting and helpful garden plan for bees:
https://www.keepingbackyardbees.com/plan-for-your-pollinators/
At this website you can enter your zip code to find out native plants and much more information about your area:
http://content.yardmap.org/explore/local-resources/
Avoid Pesticides:
Using pesticides to treat your lawn is a big NO-NO when it comes to bees. These pesticides easily kill insects, including bees so be sure you are not treating your lawn with anything harmful! Instead there are natural remedies that can be effective without hurting the bees.
To learn more, click in the link below:
https://friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/are-beefriendly-plants-poisoning-our-bees
Using pesticides to treat your lawn is a big NO-NO when it comes to bees. These pesticides easily kill insects, including bees so be sure you are not treating your lawn with anything harmful! Instead there are natural remedies that can be effective without hurting the bees.
To learn more, click in the link below:
https://friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/are-beefriendly-plants-poisoning-our-bees
Support Your Local Beekeepers:
It is important to buy local products such as honey, beeswax candles and more! Without our support beekeepers would not be in business, they giving bees a good home. :)
Government Action:
These are actions being taken by New York State:
https://www.morningagclips.com/actions-will-protect-pollinator-populations/
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