Honey Bee Hive Sticky Boards

Bees are vital to our ecosystem, pollinating plants and helping to produce the food we consume every day. As we step into the colder months, it’s crucial to understand how these wonderful little creatures survive and what we can do to support them. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of bees and discover how we can help ensure their survival this winter.

Meet the Queen Bee

Did you know that the queen bee plays a central role in the hive? She is the heart of the colony, responsible for laying eggs and ensuring the continuation of her population. As winter approaches, bees adopt unique strategies to survive the chill.

Queen Honey Bee at Hudson GardensIngredients for Supporting Bee Health

As we nurture our gardens, we must also remember the needs of our buzzing buddies. Here’s a checklist of ingredients to create a bee-friendly environment:

  • Diverse flowering plants (think wildflowers, clover, and sunflowers)
  • Native plants that bloom at different times throughout the year
  • Water sources like shallow dishes or bird baths with stones
  • Bee hotels or brush piles for nesting sites
  • Avoidance of pesticides and chemicals that harm bees

Instructions for Creating a Bee Haven

Let’s put together a little haven for our bee friends. These simple steps will help create a welcoming environment for them to thrive:

  1. Start by researching and selecting a variety of native plants that bloom at different times during the year. This will ensure there’s always food available for the bees.
  2. Create a designated garden space that gets plenty of sun, allowing flowers to flourish and bees to gather.
  3. Provide a reliable water source. Fill a shallow dish with fresh water and add stones for bees to land on safely while they hydrate.
  4. Construct simple bee hotels using bamboo, wood, or hollow stems to provide nesting spots for solitary bees.
  5. Make a commitment to avoid using harmful pesticides, opting for organic pest control strategies instead.

By taking these steps, we not only support the health and survival of bees but also contribute to a thriving garden that benefits all. Remember, every little action counts in making the world a better place for our pollinators. Let’s do our part to ensure the beauty of nature continues, season after season.

honey bee hive sticky boards

Meant to bee: The overwintering strategies of bees and how we can help source = engagement.source.colostate.edu