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How Can Bees Help Us?

Last Updated: 02.11.24

 

The market is currently overflowed with numerous bee-related products. If you want to invest in high-quality bee hive kits that are currently available, this buying guide that we have prepared for you might come in handy. Although they might scare you, bees are interesting insects that have a specific role in the environment. In this comprehensive article, we have put together info regarding how these insects are a vital part of the environment. So, if you want to learn more about this subject, keep reading!

 

Pollinators

One of the most important jobs that bees have is pollinating. The process of pollination consists of the bees moving around pollen from the male parts of a flower, called anthers, to the stigmas, the female parts. Once the anthers and the stigmas combine, the plant produces a seed that will, later on, form a new plant.

Next to wasps, butterflies, and birds, bees are responsible for pollinating up to 75% of the food crops all around the world. In fact, bees pollinate plants that we eat on a daily basis such as tomatoes, beans, kiwis, zucchinis, pumpkins, and many others.

If bees were to disappear, we would not be able to enjoy these essential sources of food. Consequently, these insects should be protected.

Apart from being a source of food for us, vegetables, wild plants and fruits are also food for other birds, insects, and mammals. Bees are also to thank for the milk you consume every day. Because they pollinate alfalfa seeds, they are responsible for the growing of the hay that is usually used to feed cows.

Bees also pollinate no less than 90% of the wild plants in the world, trees included. As we all know, trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

Honey

When we think about bees, the first thing that crosses our minds is honey. Honey is a sweet fluid made by bees by ingurgitating nectar and then storing it inside the hive. Once the water from their saliva evaporates, it results in the honey that we love so much.

On a day to day basis, honey is used for many purposes. For instance, it can be eaten, it can be used as a sweetener and it can be included when preparing different types of cosmetic products.

As you might know, bees also produce other products such as propolis and beeswax. Propolis is a treatment for cancer and allergies, while beeswax can be found in chewing gum, hair waxes, and other skin care products.

 

Predicting storms

Scientists have also discovered that bees can predict inclement weather. To put it differently, these insects can tell when a storm is coming. This is possible because bees use the earth’s electromagnetic field to navigate. Therefore, they can immediately sense when distinct electromagnetic waves are present.

When they feel a storm approaching, these insects retreat to their hives. By analyzing their behavior, scientists can tell when a storm is coming and they can set out warnings to the population.

 

They fight cancer and contribute to the economy

According to a study published in 2004, bees can also help people fight cancer. By consuming products such as honey, propolis or royal jelly, you can help your body fight cancer.

In recent years, researchers have attempted to quantify the actual contribution of bees to the food crop industry. It has been estimated that, in 2010, bees contribute $40billion. Although these numbers might not be exact, it is undeniable that bees play an important role in the economy.

 

They teach us important lessons

Throughout the history of ideas, humans have observed the behavior of bees and they have discovered a couple of vital concepts. For example, apparently, the use of hexagons in engineering projects was inspired by bees.

Writers also had a lot to learn from these insects. Kahlil Gibran, Norman Rowland Gale, and Rudyard Kipling are some that have created beautiful poems about these insects.

Are bees in danger?

Because of their extremely important role, bees have to be protected at all costs. In current times, due to pollution and other factors such as the use of pesticides and habitat loss, the total bee population has started to decrease.  

It should be pointed out that not all species of bees are endangered. As studies have shown, some species of bees, including honeybees, are starting to show a decline in numbers. The reason why you should not worry that honey will become a thing of the past has to do with the fact that honeybees are grown by beekeepers.

Numerous experts have said that the reason why honeybees die is linked to certain viruses that attack the insects during the winter. Still, beekeepers can repopulate their hives easily when this happens.

Not the same is true when we speak about rare species such as the Hylaeus, the Hawaiian yellow-faced, or other bees that live in remote habitats and shrub landscapes. These bees are endangered mainly because of habitat loss. For instance, the gourd bee, a kind of oligolectic bee has started to lose numbers. This happens because it only survives by relying on specific sorts of plants that disappear due to climate change.

Scientists have also argued that bees are also affected by the changes in weather that limit the amount of time that they have available each year. Moreover, climate change has also proved to contribute to the growth of invasive species of parasitic funguses that are a threat to the bee population.

 

Protecting bees

There are programs that have been started in an attempt to protect these insects. In fact, if you want to contribute to their salvation, there are a few organizations that you can get in touch with. Even more so, it is advisable that you also refrain from killing bees when you see them around your home.

By nature, bees are peaceful and they won’t sting unless they feel threatened. Still, if you happen to be allergic to bees, it is best that you avoid coming into contact with them altogether.

 

 

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