PLANT NATIVE PLANTS
Bees are our most important pollinators. They love to live in urban settings where there are short flight paths and a variety of different plants and flowers to sample. Bees love variety and thrive in urban areas where they have short flight paths and lots of plants to choose from. One of the main reasons the bee population is declining is because they are experiencing habitat loss.
Even what seems like a small contribution, just a tiny flower pot or patch, can provide valuable pollinator habitat.
PUT OUT WATER FOR POLLINATORS
Because still water often attracts mosquitos and other bugs too, I would recommend placing this in a large unkept area you may not visit a lot if you have space. Also, make sure to place stones or other pieces for the bees to land on so they do not drown in the shallow water. Finally, use plain water- people often believe bees need sugar water, but it can actually be damaging, natural nectar is enough for them.
DON’T USE PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES IN YOUR GARDEN
The overuse of pesticides and herbicides is another proven factor in pollinator decline and CCD, particularly a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoid. Read more about CCD here. CCD isn't the only thing threatening bees, read about the rest here. Doing your part to keep harmful chemicals out of their foraging habitat is a huge step in protecting precious pollinators.
CONSIDER KEEPING MASON BEES!
Unlike honeybees, mason bees are native to North America. They are also critical pollinators, providing 95% more effective pollination than honeybees. Mason bees are vital to our environment and need our support, too! Having a mason bee house in your backyard is a far smaller time, cost and space commitment than keeping honeybees, but is equally important in supporting all pollinators.
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