There has been a lot of talk about the declining honey bee population. Yet not everyone understands why we should care. Let’s take a look at the impact of bees and the threats to their existence.

Without pollination, food would be scarce. And expensive.

Bees, other insects, birds, and bats – but mainly bees – help pollinate plants and crops. One in every three mouthfuls we eat has been pollinated by an animal. Not only the fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, and oil crops that we consume, but also the fodder crops for cattle and other livestock.

Without pollination, a third of the food we eat would go away. With such a dramatic decrease, prices would soar, and shelves would be empty. Pollination ensures food availability, which keeps costs down.

Bees play a vital role in pollination

Some crops fully rely on bee pollination to form fruits and seeds. But most crops benefit from bee pollination to improve the shape, size, flavor, and even shelf-life.

Bees visit flowers to collect nectar for the hive. As she moves about the flower, pollen collects on the hairs covering her body (only female bees leave the hive to collect nectar.) The pollen is then dispersed when the bee visits other flowers and plants, resulting in fertilization. Bees are the most impactful pollinators since they visit more flowers and carry more pollen. In fact, over time, plants and flowers have evolved to attract bees.

Bees are being killed by insecticides and neonicotinoids

Pesticides, such as insecticides, and neonicotinoids are toxic to bee colonies. Although these chemicals aren’t designed to kill bees, they do have an adverse effect on bee colony health. Neonicotinoids, in particular, can contaminate surrounding soil, waterways, and wildflowers.

Exposure to these treated plants impacts the bee’s central nervous system. This impairs their ability to navigate and reproduce. It also makes them more susceptible to diseases. Eventually, the entire colony dies out.

Bee colonies are rapidly declining

The decline of the bee population is globally known as Colony Collapse Disorder. Billions of honey bees across the world are leaving their hives and not returning. Scientists attribute these losses to a combination of factors.

In addition to pesticides, a decrease in plant variety, and an increase in new pests damaging bee immune systems are key contributors. Vital “bee highways” allow bees to travel long distances while collecting and distributing pollen. As more land is taken for urban development and intensive farming, pollinator-friendly habitats are being removed. Unable to forage, bees become malnourished and more vulnerable to disease.

Bees don’t really want to sting you

The honey bee’s job is to gather nectar and pollen to return to the hive. If she stings a human, she will most certainly die. When a bee comes around you, and your picnic, they only want to know if you are a flower. Once they realize you don’t have what they’re looking for, they’ll fly away. 

Swatting at a bee makes them think you are a threat. This releases a stress hormone, alerting nearby bees, who will most likely sting you. It’s their only defense to get you away. But generally, bees will only sting if you come too close to the hive, step on them, swat at them, or if they feel threatened or confused. 

A final note on being safe around bees

As with most livestock, a beekeeper will tell you that different colonies have different personalities. Some are calmer, some are more feisty. Maintaining a relaxed manner and giving bees a little respect goes a long way. You’ve also probably seen beekeepers use a smoker. As mentioned above, when a bee feels threatened it sets off an alarm pheromone, upsetting surrounding bees. The smoke masks the smell of the pheromone. It doesn’t harm the bees, only interferes with their sense of smell.

The humble little bee has a big role to play in our lives. This important pollinator works hard and only asks that we lessen our use of harmful toxins, give them space to work, and perhaps plant a few more flowers wherever we can.