5 Benefits of Bees and How to Attract Them

What would our gardens, parks, and countryside be like without bees to pollinate crops, flowers, shrubs, and trees?

What would our diet be without fruits, vegetables, nuts, and delicious, sweet honey?

A world without these things would be a lot poorer. And without bees, many of these joys and necessities would become scarce.

Benefits of Bees in the Garden and the Environment

Bees play a significant role in agriculture. Without them, fresh produce (among other things) would decline.

1. Pollinators

Millions of crops and plants rely on pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, to reproduce and thrive.

The familiar furry yellow and black insect, the bee, buzzes around summer picnics. It is the most essential and efficient pollinator.

It is estimated that without bees, the world would lose a significant portion of its daily food supply [1]. Thankfully, these beneficial insects are very industrious and carry pollen to pollinate plants every day.

It is a mutually beneficial process, with them gathering the nectar from the flowers they visit. The importance continues as worker bees store this nectar to convert it into golden honey.

At the same time, the reproduction of plants provides bees with future sources of nectar. Their furry bodies are also perfect for collecting pollen to transfer between flowers while they gather nectar.

2. Food Source

Bees produce honey, a fact known and exploited by humans for generations. However, it is also an essential carbohydrate and energy source for the bees themselves to survive.

Birds, small animals, and insects also thrive on dipping into the honey. As nectar provides energy for the bees, pollen provides protein and other essential nutrients, helping the entire hive thrive.

Additionally, though I forbid it, the healthy bees, in turn, are a nutritious snack for birds, dragonflies, and other insects.

3. Biodiversity

Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem. They provide a link in the connecting chains that allow other creatures to survive and plants to proliferate.

These flying insects play a key role in the food chain. They help crops and animal products thrive.

These foods are crucial for human sustenance. Without bees, our food supply would be severely affected.

Understanding this vital factor has led to global concern about the diminishing number of bees. As a result, steps have been taken to protect our bees [2].

4. Help Protect the Environment

The multiple benefits of bees help to protect the environment.

They provide food and shelter for a host of other creatures. These creatures, in turn, play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of global ecosystems.

Many plants and animals would disappear if it weren’t for the practical work of these pollinators. All life in terrestrial ecosystems and woodlands depends on the daily efforts of these helpful insects to survive.

5. Help Wild Plants Flourish

It isn’t just garden flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables that depend on pollinators; wild plants also do.

Wildflowers are an integral part of the natural balance of the environment, and even weeds require careful treatment.

Spraying synthetic pesticides can kill bees. It may also disrupt their natural ability to find food in gardens, fields, and woodlands.

Some types of bees are particularly drawn to pollinating wildflowers and berry bushes. These help support the lives of many woodland creatures.

Trees also rely on these small pollinators to transfer pollen from flower to flower.

Common Types of Bees

It is estimated that there are over 20,000 species of bees worldwide [3]. The ones we are most familiar with are the noisy bumblebees, mason bees, and honeybees.

Mason Bees

Colonies of mason bees are common in some areas.

They are excellent pollinators and are more effective at it than bumblebees and honeybees. Their name originated from the masonry work they perform.

Honey Bees

Honey bees are considered one of the most important pollinators. Their hive is divided into teams of workers, led by the queen and her drones.

In winter, they feed on their own honey for energy. Furthermore, they survive by staying close together to stay warm.

Bumble Bees

Bumblebees have a harder time in winter; only the queen hibernates. The rest of the colony dies in late fall.

However, on average, they are active in pollinating crops from spring through fall.

How to Attract Bees to Your Garden

There are several ways to invite them to your garden. Two avenues are to plant flowers and shrubs that they particularly like and to give them water.

Water Sources

Like all living creatures, bees need water. Therefore, some sources, such as a lily pond or birdbath, will draw them to the garden.

Rocks or stones inside these sources will provide landing sites and protect them from drowning.

Flowering Plants

Many varieties of flowers and herbs attract bees. These include mint, bee balm, and oregano.

Rosemary and lavender are also among their favorites.

Additionally, flowers such as asters, zinnias, and daisies are most attractive to bees. Other bee-friendly flowers include poppies and foxgloves.

Also, don’t forget the bright marigolds, which offer many garden benefits in addition to creating a pretty patch of color.

Shrubs like lilac and buddleia attract butterflies. They also brighten up borders and attract other pollinators.

As a result, if you have limited space, planting a wild meadow will undoubtedly attract these beneficial insects.

Where to Buy Seeds

Purchase pollinator variety packs online at SeedsNow or other reputable retailers.

Takeaway

Bees are beneficial to the gardener and essential to the environment. Apart from their role in crop production, they also provide a profitable business through the sale of products like honey and beeswax.

With dwindling numbers, it is crucial to encourage and protect bees for the benefit of future generations.