Many of us know that we depend on bees for making honey and beeswax, but did you know that bees are also responsible for pollinating one-third of our food? Unfortunately, Texas’ bee population has been declining in recent years. Luckily, there are actions every Texan can take to help ensure the resiliency of native bee populations.
Texas has between 1,100 and 1,500 different bee species including bumble bees, carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and mason bees. These numerous bee species are the primary pollinators of native Texas plants, and without them, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even beef and eggs would be in short supply!
Bees are essential for maintaining the growth of various native wildflowers and agricultural products in Texas, such as cotton, melons, broccoli, squash, and tomatoes. Honey bees alone pollinate nearly 80% of all flowering plants! More than that, bees also pollinate trees that produce food and shelter for other organisms in our ecosystem, making them a vital component in the larger food web.
According to experts, there are multiple reasons for the decline in bee populations nationwide. Recent droughts and harsh weather conditions are a leading cause of the drop in bee colony numbers over the past few years.
In 2021, there was a 14% dip in Texas honey production due to high temperatures, drought, and lack of nectar-producing resources. Winter Storm Uri in 2021 brought freezing temperatures, ice, and snow for several weeks, resulting in an annual loss of roughly one-third of the honeybee population. Additionally, an unusually wet winter and spring in 2021 kept many colonies inactive and unable to forage. Adding to this, in 2022 the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that more than 45% of honeybee colonies nationwide were affected by varroa mites.
Unfortunately, mites and weather changes aren’t the only factors that have disrupted Texas bee populations. Pesticides and air pollutants are also having drastic effects on bee behavior and reproduction. Pesticides have proven to affect bees’ navigation patterns, learning abilities, and feeding practices.
Pesticide usage has increased substantially in the last few decades due to intensive farming practices needed to feed an increasing human population. Human population growth has also led to increased development of natural lands which has resulted in habitat loss for bees and other pollinators.
Plant a bee-friendly garden
Lack of shelter and food sources are some of the biggest threats to bees. Planting bee gardens with nectar- and pollen-producing flowers can create a safe haven for these important pollinators. When deciding what flowers to plant, opt for native plants to your ecoregion, since. many native bee species have coevolved to feed exclusively on native flowers. You don’t need to have a lot of space either, even a small window planter box is enough to get bees buzzing by. For more information on how to build a native plant garden, read this blog.
Buy local honey and bee products
Buying locally-produced honey supports small beekeepers and organizations that work hard to nurture their bees and keep the Texas bee populations thriving. Plus, shopping locally reduces packing materials and transportation.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides
Synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are wreaking havoc on our pollinator friends. While it’s best to avoid spraying synthetic chemicals on your garden altogether, if you must use a pesticide, choose an organic, pollinator-friendly product or make one yourself using natural repellents such as garlic, onions, oranges, or peppers. Another way to discourage unwanted insects is to grow companion plants that deter pests naturally.
Plant more trees
Like flowers, trees provide much-needed habitat and food for bees. Tree leaves and resin also offer nesting materials, while natural tree cavities make excellent shelters. Native trees such as desert willow, crape myrtle, Mexican buckeye, and mountain laurel are great options that attract bees and provide a variety of nectar sources. Follow this link to find more native bee-friendly trees!
Create a bee bath
Bees can work up quite a thirst while foraging. Help them out by building a bee bath! Simply fill a bird bath or bowl with water and add rocks. The rocks will act as safeguards for bees to land on and prevent them from drowning.
Protect ground bees
Ground bees, including mason bees and bumble bees, make their nests underground and often beneath leaves. Save a sunny, mulch-free section of your backyard for these busy bugs.
Leave stems behind
Did you know that 30% of bees live in holes inside trees, logs, and hollow plant stems? These stems may not seem like much to us, but they’re essential habitats for many native bee species. So next time, you’re thinking about cutting back your dead flower stalks, leave them through the winter season so they can provide a warm home for cavity-nesting bees.
Support initiatives that help bees
Use your voice to support initiatives that aim to save our pollinators before it’s too late. Texans can take action by advocating for the regrowth of bee habitats, raising money for bee programs, and educating fellow Texans on why bees are a vital part of our ecosystem. Visit the Save the Bees website for more ways to help.
Bees are an essential part of our global food supply and environment. Without these impressive pollinators, we would have only a fraction of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy today. Although bee populations have declined in recent years, there are a lot of ways that you can help them rebound, whether it’s buying locally produced bee products, educating others about the importance of bees, or making your backyard a bee sanctuary.
