Does anyone else talk to bees? No? Just me?
Over the past few years, I have noticed a massive decline in the amount of bees that are in our area. I know that a neighbor used to have a hive and no longer does but even with that, there are a lot fewer bees! Enough of a decrease that I have had to hand-pollinate some of my pumpkins and squash just so I will have vegetables. At first, I thought I was just a bad gardener and that is why nothing would grow fruit, especially in 2020. But then I started noticing a lack of my bee friends and did some research.
Did you know bees contribute 20 billion dollars each to agriculture and industries that depend on agriculture?! Penn State did a study on this decline in bees and stated “Within the past decade, beekeepers across the globe have observed massive declines in managed honey bee populations. Similar declines have been observed in populations of wild bees and other pollinators. Understanding what is driving these declines is a vital question for researchers, beekeepers, growers, and the public. Several factors are being investigated, including habitat loss, climate change, disease, and pesticide use” (PSU.edu protecting pollinators). I am not going crazy! There are fewer bees and it is affecting our ability to garden.
I have considered getting a hive but have some concerns about being stung or my kids getting stung. I love the idea of having fresh honey, selling honey, and helping with pollinators. I even think that the beekeeper outfits are fun. I have also considered getting leaf-cutter bees, which are mighty pollinators and less aggressive. However, people bring leaf cutters into their garages in the winter because they do not do well in very cold temps and I am not sure I like that idea either. I really need more bees though so maybe one day I will get some.
For now, I make sure I plant flowers in my garden and I do my best not to spray bees with water, but most importantly, I talk nice to them so they like me. I once had a bumblebee that would sit on my shoulder as I watered the garden and then would fly away after I was done. I named him Buzz.
If you are interested in getting leaf cutter bees I have heard great things about
Kindbeefarms.com
(I do not get a commission from them, I just heard they are great)