Beekeeping

Beekeeping

We depend on pollinators for the gardens we enjoy, many of the plant materials we utilize, and of course the food we eat. According to the Earth Day Network, 90 percent of flowering plant species are dependent on insect pollination, and a full 35 percent of global food production is comprised of crops pollinated specifically by bees.  

Threats to Pollinators:

Habitat Loss:

The main threats facing pollinators are habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. As native vegetation is replaced by roadways, manicured lawns, crops and non-native gardens, pollinators lose the food and nesting sites that are necessary for their survival. 

Migratory pollinators face special challenges.  If the distance between the suitable habitat patches along their migration route is too great, smaller, weaker individuals may die during their journey.

You can help by planting a pollinator garden from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Pesticides:

The improper use of pesticides can negatively impact pollinators and their habitats. Pesticides include products such as weed killers and insecticides, which are designed to prevent, destroy, repel or reduce pests such as insects, mice and other animals, weeds, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Pesticides are used in nearly every home, business, farm, school, hospital, and park in the United States and are found almost everywhere in our environment.

By their very nature, most pesticides pose some risk of harm to humans, animals or the environment because they are designed to kill or adversely affect living organisms (US Fish and Wildlife Service).  There are many natural substitutes you can use to control pests in your home, yard and gardens. See "8 Homemade Pest Control Remedies that Really Work" from HuffPost.