If bees suddenly vanished from the face of the earth, man would only have four more years to survive. This renowned phrase, which is typically given to Albert Einstein, does a good job of explaining how the fate of the world is tied to the actions of these insects. Find out what steps you may take to ensure their safety!
Some people consider bees to be nothing more than tiny insects that move from flower to bloom in search of nectar and create honey. In point of fact, the fate of the world and the preservation of global biodiversity are both dependent on the actions of these rather insignificant animals. Then, what would happen if bees were no longer present in the world? Why are these insects so vitally important, and what steps can we take to ensure their continued existence? Continue reading to discover the answer!
Why are Bees such an Important Food Source?
It’s hard to overstate how important bees are to both us and the world. More than seventy percent of the food that we consume each day is directly attributable to the everyday action of pollination that they engage in.
Bees are essential to the production of a wide variety of foods, including apples, pears, chestnuts, citrus fruits, cherries, apricots, watermelons, plums, melons, almonds, zucchini, carrots, cabbages, onions, and garlic, to name just a few. Without bees, many of these foods simply would not be possible.
But that’s not all: there are societies that don’t rely solely on bees for pollination, but their harvests are significantly increased when these insects move the pollen from one blossom to the next.
Additionally, it is imperative that we do not overlook the significant part that bees play in the process by which new seeds of horticultural plants are produced.
Pollination of forage plants such as clover and alfalfa, which are necessary for the proper nourishment of animals, is also dependent on bees.
Without bees, even simple things like drinking coffee and eating chocolate would be impossible.
Additionally significant for the health of the planet is the role that bees play. Bees are responsible for the reproduction and spread of about 90 percent of all wild and naturally occurring plant species. These plants need bees to pollinate their flowers. This function has taken on increased significance as a direct result of the declining population of various natural pollinators.
When one considers that there are over 350,000 wild plants in the world and only approximately 200 that have been cultivated, it is easy to see how the impact of these relatively small insects is considerable and vital for the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
This year, a loss of more than thirty percent of bees was recorded, as shown by the information gathered by the agri-tech firm known as 3Bee, which creates remote monitoring systems for beehives.
However, what exactly do we mean when we refer to the concept of biodiversity?
The variety of living things that can be found on Earth, including plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and biotic agents, is what we refer to when we talk about biodiversity. To put it simply, all of the many forms of life that are found on our planet.
The various ecosystems that may be found on our globe are defined by the intricate connections and exchanges that take place between the environment and the population of creatures that share it. These ecosystems are inextricably linked with one another on a fundamental level.
Therefore, bees and pollinators in general provide a service that is essential to the daily regulation of ecosystems, and in this way, they also provide a service that is essential to the preservation of biodiversity.
It is essential to have bees in order to have an accurate picture of the condition of the ecosystem in which they are living. They are able to do this by flying from flower to flower in order to gather nectar, pollen, honeydew, water, and propolis. Additionally, this allows them to avoid any form of pollutants, which can also result in the death of the hive.
Because of this, a healthy environment, one in which bees thrive, is also a healthy one, one in which humans can thrive.
Dangers and Hazards Facing Honeybees
However, pollution in their surrounding environment is not the only threat that bees must contend with nowadays. There is a persistent and ever-increasing risk to the bee population’s health and survival posed by factors such as climate change, the destruction of natural habitats, illnesses, parasites, and excessive use of pesticides.
Even the most common species of honey bees are not gone yet, despite the fact that several species of wild and solitary bees are already in danger of going extinct.
What are the primary dangers that bees face?
Bees face an uncertain future as a result of climate change, which is characterized by extremes in temperature and an unstable weather pattern.
Pesticides: some pesticides used in agriculture, such as neonicotinoids, are responsible for killing bees in addition to driving the nervous systems of certain insects completely insane.
Agriculture that is both intensive and monocultural leads to a significant reduction in the diversity of plants and flowers, which are essential resources for the continued existence of bees.
The Crucial Part Played by Beekeepers
The situation is not as dire as it could have been thanks to beekeepers. By administering treatments to the hives, the beekeeper ensures not only the hives’ health but also their continued existence. The participation of beekeepers is essential for the protection of honeybees from various parasites that, if not kept under control, could result in the destruction of entire apiaries and possibly other types of agricultural facilities as well.
The most challenging times of the year are when beekeepers provide the most essential support for their colonies of bees. When the environment becomes so unsuitable for foraging that bees can no longer find food to eat, the beekeeper will save the bees from a fate worse than death by feeding them supplemental food. Therefore, the labor done by beekeepers is absolutely necessary for bees. Without them, there would be implications that are impossible to fathom. The job of a beekeeper, however, becomes more challenging over time.
There Are Three Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Bees
1. Create a habitat for bees by cultivating flowers and trees.
As we have seen previously, the loss of biodiversity and the lack of sites where bees can locate food is one of the primary factors that poses a threat to bee populations. Flowers and natural spaces are becoming an increasingly unusual sight in urban areas. Because of this, if you have a patio or a garden, you should consider planting some of the flowers that are most attractive to these insects. If, on the other hand, you have more room, planting a tree is an excellent method to defend bees and combat climate change at the same time. In point of fact, flowers and trees provide bees with the majority of their nectar supply. In addition, the resin and the leaves supply these insects with an essential component that they can use in the construction of their nests. Always keep in mind that you should select locally grown plants and flowers that bloom at different times.
2. Support Bees and Beekeepers
Do you feel compelled to take any action to ensure the survival of bees? Supporting beekeepers, who work tirelessly to ensure the health of pollinating insects on a daily basis, is undoubtedly one of the most essential things that can be done. You can, for instance, assist those who raise bees in your community by purchasing organic honey from local beekeepers. You can show your support for the virtuous realities of beekeeping in this way. These realities assume responsibility for the survival and well-being of bees, and as a result, of the entire world.
3. Make sure you use only organic and natural methods when cultivating the garden.
Do not put chemicals into your garden if you have one. Instead, you should practice permaculture and adhere to the principles of organic agriculture. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, particularly those containing neonicotinoids, are responsible for the loss of honeybees and other pollinating insects. Make use of natural goods and organic composts and fertilizers, such as coffee grounds and compost. In addition, you can make use of insects that are helpful to your garden, such as ladybugs, which drive away pests.
After that, let the grass continue to grow. The lawn has a low level of biodiversity, but a more natural garden, with grass and flowers, will not only benefit the environment but will also make the bees happy.
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