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Lucy Rados '25 ~ April 2023
Have you ever been chased by a bee and wanted to tell it to buzz off? Well, reconsider that decision. Bees are actually an integral part of our world. Especially as spring has arrived, (in theory, subject to changes in Buffalo weather) we need bees and pollinators more than ever for our gardens, flowers, and growing produce.
Unfortunately, due to pesticides and habitat loss, along with a variety of other factors, bee populations are declining. We need bees, especially because they help pollinate ⅓ of our food supply! So this spring, kindly consider our buzzing friends when planting flowers and choosing foods.
One great way to help struggling bee and other pollinator populations is planting a diversity of native plants. Planting native plants and wildflowers supports native bee populations. When creating diversity in plants, an important factor to consider is selecting different heights and flowers with rings of petals, and rather than having a perfectly organized garden, include some small brush piles, areas with dry grasses, and dead wood, or some muddy patches, all of which create habitat and nesting materials. Blue, purple, and yellow flowers are the most attractive, including flowers such as daisies, zinnias, asters and Queen Anne's lace.
Another important step is decreasing the use of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. The chemicals in these can harm bees and decrease growth of attractive plants. If you do get pesticides, check to see if they are toxic to bees before using them. Another interesting action taken, including across Western New York, is “No Mow May,” where people are leaving lawns unmowed for the entire month of May, allowing the lawn to flower naturally, which attracts pollinators. It may be hard to let your lawn go, but you can also simply take smaller actions, like leaving just the backyard unmown, mowing less frequently, or leaving a small patch unmowed.
Other actions involve spreading awareness of the problem of decreasing bee populations by taking simple actions like not killing bees and encouraging people around you to do the same. Additionally, another great action is, if possible, eating local, organic produce, which is grown without pesticides. Buying honey locally also helps support local bee populations.
And don’t forget about the other pollinators around, like birds, bats, butterflies, and moths. To support these groups, the methods of “No Mow May” and decreased pesticides are great! Also, lots of butterflies like milkweed, which can be grown in your yard by scattering seeds (found at basically any plant store or nursery) on the ground! Any effort can make a difference.
This spring, look out for our buzzing and flying friends, and do your best to help out struggling bee populations. And best of all, planting flowers and having bees and butterflies will make your garden, porch, and community beautiful!
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