Why We Need Bees

Over the last 15 years, bee populations in North America have been declining at an alarming rate. Since then, many “Save the Bees” campaigns and organizations have been formed to protect these special creatures. But why are bees so important? Let’s find out!

Where Have the Bees Gone?
There are 5 primary threats to native bee species that have caused their populations to dwindle quickly:

• Habitat Loss: Human development and the expansion of industrial agriculture have destroyed the habitats of many wildlife species, including bees.
• Climate Change: Dramatic shifts in temperature over the years have resulted in flowering plants growing further north, leaving populations of pollinators who relied on them behind. These changes in weather patterns and ecosystems have made it difficult for native species to find food and shelter that was once abundant.
• Chemical Pesticides: Chemical pesticides are being used more and more every year to prevent and kill unwanted pests and weeds. However, these harmful pesticides are also an enormous threat to non-target species like bees and other pollinators and are considered a leading cause of bee mortality rates.
• Invasive Plant Species: New plants that are introduced to an environment in which they are not native to may overtake many of the area’s native plant species that local pollinators rely on for survival. Many native bee species diets have evolved to feed from local plants, so when these plants are overthrown by non-native species, these bees lose their food source.
• Diseases & Parasites: With the introduction of non-native plants come non-native diseases and parasites that pose a serious threat to bee populations.

Why are Bees Important?
The importance of bees to sustaining human and animal life cannot be understated. Bees’ contributions to our world can be broken down into 5 main categories:

• Pollination & Agriculture: Did you know that bees are responsible for an estimated 1 of every 3 bites of food eaten? That’s right! Most of the world’s flowering plants rely on pollinators in order to reproduce; this includes most fruits, vegetables, trees, and shrubs! Pollination occurs when pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies travel from one plant to the next. Pollen collected from one plant is distributed to the next, resulting in cross-pollination and fertilization of the plant! Without bees providing us with food through pollination, humans would lose the ability to have a healthy, diverse diet.
• The Food Chain: It’s not only us humans who rely on pollinators for food – Wildlife does too! Plants and trees are a main source of food and shelter for many wildlife species, and without pollinators to keep plants reproducing, the wildlife who rely on them may not survive. Even domesticated animals rely on pollination; for example, cows eat alfalfa, which is pollinated by bees, and we humans rely on cows for dairy and beef. So, you see, bees are responsible for entire food chains, and without them, humans wouldn’t be the only species to suffer the consequences.
• Economy: Because bees are responsible for so much of the food we eat, they contribute greatly to our economy. It is estimated that bees contribute upwards of 15 billion dollars to the value of crop production each year in the United States as a result of the crops that they pollinate. Additionally, the beekeeping industry serves as an income for many families by selling products made from bee wax, honey, etc., as well as the sale of beekeeping equipment.
• Biodiversity & Ecosystems: By pollinating many of the trees, shrubs, and plants in our environment, bees help ensure the biodiversity of ecosystems! Additionally, the trees pollinated by bees release oxygen for us to breathe and help prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil with their deep roots!
• Nutrition & Crop Quality: Bees and other pollinators are invaluable to the growth of crops, ensuring higher yields, and potentially improving the nutrient value of the foods produced as a result! Without bees, human’s nutritional needs would be difficult to meet!

Needless to say, bees are essential to sustaining life and maintaining a healthy, diverse environment. Without these incredible creatures and all the work they do for us, every living thing would feel the impact. At Feeds’ n Needs, we understand the importance of saving the bees! Be sure to check out our selection of beekeeping products (only available at select Feeds’n Needs locations). Our stores carry a large selection of Vesey’s flower seeds; ask one of our experts to help you find varieties that your local pollinators will love!

Check out our blog to see How You Can Help Endangered Bees in Your Garden!

Disclaimer: Product availability and selection may vary by store. Please check your local store for availability.

Sources:
The Bee Conservancy – Est. 2009 in Response to the Bee Crisis
Canadian Wildlife Federation: Canada’s Bees (cwf-fcf.org)
Protect Pollinators in Ontario (ontarionature.org)
10 Reasons Why Bees Are Important…(and awesome!) with a video! (buzzaboutbees.net)
Why are Bees Important? (foe.org)