Bee populations

There are over 20,000 known species of bees in the World. Some species, such as honey bees, bumblebees, and stingless bees, are social insects that live in large colonies such as hives, but over 90% of bee species are solitary. In North America, these bees include mason bees, carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and these bees live alone. When a female solitary bee is fertile, she will construct and inhabit a nest that she will construct herself for her offspring. 

Though the European honey bee, introduced to the U.S. in 1622, has been the subject of media concern in recent years, that species is globally common.  In fact, it is the most abundant non-native bee on Earth. Therefore, the European honeybee is not in need of conservation.  However, native bees are in need of our help!  

Aren't bees dangerous?

Bees can sting. European honey bees will defend their hive aggressively by deploying hundreds of workers to sting a perceived threat. About 5-7.5% of people are hypersensitive to insect venom, so honey bee hives pose significant risk.  Given such defensive behavior, it is difficult to closely observe honey bee behavior without equipment and protection.  

Native solitary bees have none of these issues. Since native solitary bees have no hive to defend, the majority are quite docile, and many are stingless. Those that can sting, only do so under extreme duress, such as being pinched or caught between clothing and skin.  In such a case, the sting of a solitary bee is much less painful than a honeybee, and the venom is not known to contain allergens that cause anaphylaxis. This docile demeanor greatly minimizes risk and allows kids to closely observe behavior without fear of attack.

Bees are key to plant reproduction - and food!

Solitary bees are key pollinators! They are thought to be responsible for 95% of pollination. Pollination is key to plant reproduction and survival. One third of food crops are dependent on insect pollination. Bees are critical to both growing crops and to natural ecosystem health! 

Solitary bees are extremely effective pollinators. As they land on blooms, solitary bees do a "belly flop" onto each flower, covering their whole bodies in pollen. This pollen is readily transferred to the next flower they visit, resulting in a 95% pollination rate! In contrast, honeybees collect most of their pollen in baskets on their hind legs, where it's less apt to be transferred to the next flower. The result is a mere 5% pollination rate.

Check out this amazing webpage from the UC Davis Arboretum, all about California native bees!

Pollinator decline

Pollinator decline is a significant issue. While many people are aware of colony collapse disorder, in which is when entire hives disappear due to the mass death of worker bees, many other bee species are also declining. Pollinator decline is thought to be the result of habitat destruction, increased pesticide use, increased vulnerability to diseases and parasites, and climate change. With development and urbanization, land is broken apart so that populations of pollinators can become isolated from each other, and separated from their food sources. Clearing land removes the materials solitary bees would normally use for homes, such as tree cavities, reeds, stems, and burrows. 

This project is to create safe places for solitary bees to return and stay in areas that have been disturbed or changed. In the process of teaching how to build bee boxes, I also hope to bring awareness to the positive impact of bees, and teach children to respect and encourage bees.