Bees are more necessary than most folks think.
Our reaction to a bee tends to be the same as the reaction to a spider or snake – or whatever makes you jumpy. It is understandable if you have ever been stung or are allergic. It is extremely unpleasant.
Truth is, we need the bees.
They play a vital role in our lives. When they pollinate, it helps to produce plants. This includes the ones we rely on for food. Honestly, we are up a certain creek without a paddle if we lose these guys. The reality is we are losing these hard-working folks at an alarming rate. There are some great DIY things you can do to help. They are neither complicated or expensive.
Easy DIY Ways to Help Bees
1. Check In – Insect Hotel
You can involve the whole fam here. It is a great opportunity to learn about nature and a good group activity. Win-win! Insect hotels are great for the yard as well helping to keep your plants pollinated. These hotels will attract solitary bees. These bees are generally docile and less likely to sting as they have no hive to protect. They like small holes. You can use a variety of materials to achieve this. It is recommended to have a roof to your hotel to keep the materials dry. Untreated materials are best but you can treat the outside of the hotel somewhat. There a ton of tutorials online. For those of us that are less than creatively inclined there are kits available for purchase as well.
2. Pass The Plate – Bee Feeder
Honey bees need pollen to produce honey and raise new bees. Weather and lack of pollinating plants can drastically reduce their supplies. A pollen feeder up wind helps to keep the hive thriving. There’s multiple types of materials that can be used. The container needs to be durable and one end needs to be closed off. Some folks used PVC piping and others just used discarded juice containers. If using a discarded juice bottle it needs to be dark colored plastic or taped off. Only one end should allow light in so that the bees know how to get out. There is pollen substitute that can work if local pollen is unavailable.
3. Have a Drink – Bee Bath
These guys work really hard. There is a reason folks say busy as a bee! All that pollinating makes for some thirsty bees. You set out milk and cookies for Santa, why not a bit of water for these guys? It doesn’t take much. A small bowl, a few river stones and a bit of water is all it takes. You can zest it up looks-wise with an overturned planter. Place the bowl on top for a pedestal effect. The rocks give the little fuzzy dudes a place to perch as they drink. Just a little bit of water does it. You don’t want to fully submerge their perch spots!
4. In Bloom – Plant Their Faves
These guys love plants. Some they love more than others, and they will reward you with full healthy plants. Bee a good host. Plants can complement each other as well. Borage is a flower that attracts bees but it also repels worms that will eat up your tomatoes and cabbage. The correctly planted and planned out garden will bring you a better yield. Double win as helping bees helps the planet. Feeding the fam and helping the planet? Go you! There’s too much info to squeeze into a paragraph here so Google is your friend to finish this journey.
5. Bye Felicia – Repel Naturally
Look, I get it if you are not a bee fan, especially if you are allergic. Thing is, they are super important to food production. I cannot express how important they are. We will not have food at some point if they die off. If you cannot handle a bee in your life, then for the sake of all of us please use natural repellents instead of killing them. There are a variety of natural low key things you can do to keep the fuzzy buzzers away. A simple mixture of witch hazel, peppermint and tea tree oil is one. That sucker also wards off some other stingers. You can also use cucumber peels and aluminum. This gives off a chemical reaction that wasps and bees are simply not down for. A little research will help you find what’s right for you.
