Why are the bees in trouble?

Many are disappearing at alarming rates. Pesticides are weakening bees immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to parasites and diseases. Their healthy food sources are disappearing, and people are moving honey bees and bumble bees around commercially. This is diminishing their genetic diversity and spreading diseases and parasites in the process.

Why should you care?

A single bee colony can pollinate 300 million flowers each day. 70 out of the top 100 human food crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables), which supply about 90 percent of the world's nutrition are pollinated by bees.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that honey bees pollinate over $20 billion worth of crops each year. The sweet honey is one of the only foods that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life. This includes enzymes, vitamins, minerals, water, and an antioxidant that is associated with improved function of the brain.

What happens if bees go extinct?

A world without bees could struggle to sustain the global human population of 7 billion. Our supermarkets would have half the amount of fruit and vegetables.

How to help:

1. Plant bee friendly flowers and herbs.

Bees find single flowers that are purple, blue, or yellow, with shallow petals to be more enticing. These can include daisies, zinnias, asters, and Queen Anne's lace.

2. Buy local, organic foods and honey.

3. Wildflowers and some weeds promote healthy living for bees.

4. Do not use chemicals or pesticides.

5. Become a bee farmer.