How to Help the Bee Population

A third of U.S. crops are dependent on the bee population, according to Walter Leal of the UC Davis Department of Entomology. Honeybees pollinate faster than other insects, and play a large role in propagating apple, almond, blueberry and other important crops. In the past few years, the bee population has noticeably declined owing to a combination of factors: varroa mites, chemical insecticides, cell phone waves and the stress of moving across the country, or from country to country. Gardeners, farmers, beekeepers and consumers can work together to rejuvenate the country's bee population.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase and eat only organic foods produced without pesticides. If you grow your own crops, use natural pest control methods and avoid chemical pesticides. If you must use pesticides, spray only in target areas, only use chemicals that target insect pests and never use pesticides such as clothianin, which is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.

• 2

  Ask a local beekeeper to supply honeybees for your crops. Professional beekeepers often travel across the country to supply farmers and gardeners with honeybees. Excess traveling is stressful for bees and can damage entire colonies.

• 3

  Consider raising your own hive. Many county extensions offer courses on beekeeping, taught by professional and hobbyist beekeepers. With sufficient time and space, you can raise bees to supply honey and pollinate your crops. As a hobbyist beekeeper, you can share bees with other local gardeners to avoid unnecessary bee transportation.