Why the Bees are important for our Survival
2 Bees on yellow flower image Oldiefan
Bees are important for Human Survival
Some time ago I wrote a post on the importance of bees for our world. Without these helpful and busy little friends, we humans can not survive. They are losing their habitat and are attacked by all the pesticides which are used nowadays for agricultural crops. These pesticides also harm us as a big part ends up in our food.
A new study has come out on the effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, it harms bumblebees and also the honeybees. This is the biggest study done up till now and you can read on it here: published in Science.
Some 2000 hectares were allocated to this study. The UK, Germany, and Hungary participated in this study, which took care to present real-world conditions and the devastating effects pesticides have on the bee population.
Bee at work image Mirriam Zilles
Bayer, the manufacturer of pesticides
In 2013 there was a temporary ban on neonicotinoids in Europe, and it seems that their use will be further restricted. Of course, Bayer, who is a major producer of this pesticide and did part-fund this study, was quick in stating that the results of this test were inconclusive. I am not surprised at all.
Whenever big money is at stake, the health and even lives of living things, we are included, do not forget, are unimportant. Not even the survival of our planet seems to worry these big companies. This is similar to the attitude of Monsanto with their nasty product Roundup. Same story all over again.
These tests for the study were taken in 33 different places. Scientists found that where these neonicotinoids were used a higher concentration of residues were found in the nests, and that meant fewer queens. Even if it was banned in 2013 in the nests of wild bees, the chemicals were still present in the environment. When you come to think of it, that is close to 5 years later.
Another sad fact one has to add to this negative list is that bee colonies were weakened and the hives have a lesser chance to survive the winter. The same applies to us humans. When we eat food laden with chemicals over the years these toxins add up and our immune system can not cope with it anymore resulting in inflammation and then serious illness or death.
Field of rapeseeds image Michael Schwarzenberger
Farmers in the UK have complained that not being able to use the neonicotinoids on their oilseed rape they have seen a decline of some 20% in their production. They then start using substitute products of an older generation, and there again the impact on Flora and Fauna is difficult to know.
What you can do on a personal level
If we all do a little, this world would be a different place. Start with your own garden and make it bee-friendly. Not only for bees but also butterflies and hummingbirds. Even wasps, ants, and beetles are pollinators. To be able to function as a pollinator you need a clean environment and that is where we step in.
Make your garden green and insect-friendly. For tips and ideas, the book Pollinator Friendly Gardening will be your guide on this interesting journey. You will help the environment and that gives a good feeling.
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More Bee Information
Did you know there are nearly 20.000 known species of bees? I really was surprised when I read that. They are subdivided into seven recognized biological families. They are present on all continents with the exception of Antarctica. You will see them where ever there are flowering plants that need pollination.
Bees are related to wasps and ants. They are valued for, apart from pollination for these great products. They make honey and beeswax. Royal jelly and propolis.
Bees entering their home image Sunviertlerin
Honey, a gift from Nature
Honey, which has a multitude of health benefits, will keep these properties for thousands of years as was proven by the discovery of honey in an Egyptian tomb. After all these years, it maintained its properties. I remember when I was a child when the furniture was being treated with beeswax, the entire house would smell so good.
Have a look at this interesting YouTube video on the Queen Bee.
Royal jelly is the food for the Queen Bee, she gets only the best. The first 3 days the larvae are fed the royal jelly to then feeding on Honey. The Queen Bee will eat only Royal Jelly for the rest of her life. If all goes well she might live some 4 to 5 years whereas a normal worker bee only lives 1 to 2 months.
Propolis is a combination of balsamic and resinous substances which the bees separate from the sticky substance from a variety of trees. They use it to cover their entire hives, closing small holes there might be, and also put it at the entrance. The reason behind it is to protect against bacteria, infections, and germs. This is why one calls this product a natural antibiotic.
An afterthought
Beekeeping or apiculture has been practiced for thousands of years, we should not forget that. The importance of the bees in our world is undeniable, let’s keep their habitat safe from pesticides. If you want to know how you can help, the answer is easy.
Make your garden organic, like that you will attract bees, butterflies, and other insects. You will see your garden come alive with the concert of birds singing as they will visit for a healthy bite.
I have made a special page for you. Before you leave, visit Recommendations. I hope you find something of your interest.
Source: BBC 29 June 2017 article by Rebecca Morelle.
Photo Source: Pixabay
Perhaps you would like to read my first post on bees.
Comments
bec
Hi Guillaume
This is a wonderful article and very informative. Thank you for writing this one. I too really like honey. I use local raw honey all year around and then Manuka Honey for when I feel like I need an immune system boost.
I am very interested in bees, but because I do not live in Europe I had not heard about the study that you mentioned or the effects of Neonicotinoids.
It is really obvious that you care about bees.
Thank you for sharing this with us through your website.
Taetske
Good Morning Bec,
Thank you for visiting my website. When I started this site I wanted to write about my hobbies, passions, and inform the people about what I think is important for our world. The sad thing is that humans are too often very thoughtless, thinking about profit and not taking in consideration in what condition our future generations will be forced to live. Bees are a good example of this. Without them, we will not survive so it is high time all pesticides should disappear to safeguard a healthy environment for all living things we included.
Regards, Taetske
Sujandar Mahesan
This is an really important topic that people all around the world tend to ignore. I’m really happy that someone is talking about it and creating awareness about it.
I should hats off to you for talking about this particular issue and creating awareness among people around the world.
I’m going to share this with my friends and families so they know the important of this topic.
Taetske
Good Morning Sujandar,
Thank you for your visit and comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
That is very kind of you to pass on this information to family and friends. The more people know about what is happening the better. Perhaps you care to also read my first post on the bees.
The more people become aware of the importance of the bees the more pressure there will be on banning all these awful pesticides. Pesticides which are a danger to Fauna and Flora and also for the human race.
Regards, Taetske
choannah
Hi, this is a very informative article. Today, we are so consumed with technology and living the fast life that we take for granted the smaller things around us in nature that help us live. As simple as the bee may seem, they are a very important to our living.
I understand because I purchase Manuka Honey which is very special has great benefits to the body.
I learned some new things in your article. Loved it.
Taetske
Good Morning Choannah,
When one thinks that such a small insect plays such an important role in human survival one should pay more attention to the environment. Everything is related as has a meaning. We upset natures balance and that is very sad.
Thank you for leaving a comment on my website. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF?
Regards, Taetske
Micah
Thank you very much Taetaske for your informative article.
When I was a kid I remember bees being everywhere and I was always scared of getting stung. Nowadays I hardly ever see bees buzzing around. It is very sad to see how we have threatened the bee population while bees are such an important part of our survival.
I was wondering, since bees have been exposed to so many insecticides, is there honey still safe to eat?
Taetske
Good Morning Micah,
Thank you for leaving a comment on my website. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
Yes, it is very sad to see what we are doing to our environment. Humans can be so stupid and we and future generations will suffer the consequences.
Your question about honey is very important. You have to be certain it is raw honey, not tampered with. To know the area where it comes from is also important and depending on what flowers/blossoms grow in that area it will change the taste. Personally, I would stay away from the regular honey sold in most supermarkets. It will be cheap and will not hold the health properties which are so important. You might be able to buy Manuka Honey which is world famous.
I live in the south of Spain and in a small shop here in the village have found fantastic honey. It comes from the region, hills and lots of wildflowers, it tastes excellent.
Regards, Taetske
Sebastian
Thank you for this article, I haven’t thought about bees as being that important in our world, because I guess you just forget what they do and that they’re there. Is there any bad sides of having bees, like the honey, is there bad sides of that? Thank you for this article
Taetske
Good afternoon Sebastian,
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
You ask me if there is anything negative about bees and honey? Well, you know people who get hysteric might be stung by bees but that is their own fault as bees rightfully defend themselves. When you buy honey you have to know the source otherwise you might miss out on the health benefits. The cheap variety sold in supermarkets is often adulterated. Best is to buy it directly from a beekeeper.
Regards, Taetske
TJSchlenker
My half-brother has invested a ton of time and money over the last years into growing his bee farm. Now he has over 25 colonies and is selling his own glass jars of the wonderful stuff. SO GOOD!!
The whole Monsanto thing is such a travesty. I just don’t know how those executives can live with themselves knowing the damage they’re doing to… EVEN THEMSELVES and their OWN FAMILIES!
Thanks for adding the statistics. I didn’t know there are over 20,000 species of bees. WOW.
I’ve used all the products from bees that you mentioned except “Propolis”. That’s a new one on me. Maybe it’s ‘cuz I don’t get sick much, but… I’ll have to research that.
Thanks for the article!
Taetske
Good afternoon TJ,
It is so important to have a good source of honey. Here in the village is a small leather and awning shop and the brother of the Senora has bees. Absolutely delicious I must say, we eat a lot of it.
I have been writing about Monsanto and their dark path. Sadly they have been here for too many years and doing so much harm in the world.
In the cafeteria of the Monsanto office, no GMO foods are given to their employees.
Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
Regards, Taetske
Dave M.
I think it is a shame that bee colonies are weaker. We need to do all we can to improve the environment for these essential creatures so that the natural food chain stays intact. You have included a lot of interesting information in the article. I will bookmark it for future reference. Do you participate in apiculture yourself?
Taetske
Good afternoon Dave,
Thank you for your visit and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
No, I do not keep bees myself. I live on an organic farm in the south of Spain and do have heaps of bees in the garden. I am very much a nature person and love to observe all the happenings. It is very sad that still a lot of people do not realize that bees are so important also for our survival.
Regards, Taetske
Jay
One thing with all these big companies is that they are only just interested in their finances and actually don’t care if their products harm living things be it humans or animals. There has been a lot of such case whereby species of animals have been wiped out from the face of the planet due to activities caused by humans.
This is also what might be happening to these bees as these pesticides created are causing these creatures harm. Unfortunately, the government is not taking this matter seriously as they are even been compensated to look the other way when such activities occur.
Taetske
Good afternoon Jay,
I fully agree with you. The human species, on the whole, is not the best. We have caused and are still causing great damage to Fauna and or Flora. Actually very stupid as we are harming our own habitat.
Bees are so important for the world as a whole and without them, we cannot survive. How stupid can we get to destroy them and eventually ourselves?
We should be careful what leaders to vote for. Those who support chemical companies are no good. We need leaders who protect the environment.
Thank you for your comment. Hope to see you again.
Regards, Taetske
Kenechi
I appreciate your article. Beekeeping is one of the businesses I have always wanted to do but I lack proper orientation about it. Your article has given me some hints about it and I am anticipating to start keeping bees in no distant time. Bees are very beneficial because they produce a very healthy product which almost every body loves. There are so many health benefits of honey and it appears to be inexhaustible. It will be fun starting my beekeeping business.
Taetske
Good afternoon Kenechi,
Nice to see you again. Thank you for your comment.
What a good idea to start with a beekeeping business. I hope you live in a good place where the bees have a large area where they can visit unpolluted nature. Only like that will you get great honey with all the health properties.
Regards, Taetske
Vesna
Thank you for this informative article. It’s scare how pesticides are effecting health of all of us including insect/animal as well as the whole environment. I wish there was something I can do to stop all of the pesticide usage. Do you have any suggestions far as what / how we as individuals can save/help bees = ourselves?
Thank you
Taetske
Good afternoon Vesna,
Thank you for your comment on my website. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
Besides having a garden without any use of pesticides one can do more. Do not choose leaders who are uninterested to protect our environment. Leaders who are more interested in money and giving harmful companies carte blanche should not be elected. Never buy harmful products like Roundup made by Monsanto. Doing this and telling everybody you know would certainly help. If we all do our part, collectively it will have a worldwide impact.
Regards, Taetske
Denis
You make an important statement in your article when you say that “Whenever big money is at stake the health and lives of living things is unimportant (We as human are included in this)”. Isn’t that awful! Profits are more important than lives and the poor bees are losing ground because of the greed of big corporations.
I have a small greenhouse in my backyard and I can confirm that with no bees, I do not get any vegetables. I surround all my vegetable with all sorts of flowers and they come in flocks, and my vegetables grow.
That being said, I wish there was something that could be done other than commenting on your article about the negative effect of pesticides on bees…But money talks! I guess we can all do our little part at least we will have some bees that will not be affected. Thanks for your article, a real eye-opener!
Taetske
Good afternoon Denis,
Thank you for visiting my website and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
You are right. There are many sad things happening in our world. Done because of ignorance or greed.
How nice you have a greenhouse with flowers planted around it. A very effective trick to lure those busy bees.
Here spring has started and my garden is full of bees visiting all the pretty flowers, I love spring. My neighbor on 3 sides went also organic some years ago and I have noticed an increase in insects and also birds, very nice.
We should all contribute to keeping our bees happy as they are so important for the world.
Regards, Taetske
Henry
Hi! This is a very interesting post! I didn’t know there where nearly 20,000 species of bees. And I have always admired them for being so well organized and hard workers. It’s not surprising they are related to ants.
It’s sorrowful to see these big companies harming bees (and also affecting us). Greed and big money prevail over health and even life of living things. Thank you for this eye opening post!
Taetske
Good afternoon Henry,
I also find it amazing there are so many bees species and yes, they lead a perfectly well-organized life serving the community, the same as ants.
Those chemical companies are destroying nature and at the same time our health. It is time everybody wakes up to this fact.
Thank you for your comment, hope to see you again.
Regards, Taetske
Lenka
Dear Taetske,
thank you for this article full of valuable information. I didn’t know there were so many bee species! Amazing!
We only have a little garden, actually it used to be a yard where my grandmother had chickens and rabbits and a hut. We converted it into a little decorative garden and it’s a paradise for all animals because we don’t use any chemical substance there.
I love honey and know there are many benefits of consuming it. I even add it to my coffee, just a bit, instead of sugar. I haven’t tried propolis or royal jelly because I was a bit afraid of a possible allergic reaction.
Lenka
Taetske
Good Morning Lenka,
How nice that you have a green garden. It is good for you to have a place which is clean and where you can relax. Animals and little insects will be happy too. A win-win situation for everybody.
We have a very good source for raw honey here in the village. Michael uses it for his tea and we put it on the Greek yogurt we sometimes eat. Propolis and royal jelly are very good products, but personally I do not take them. Propolis helps with wound healing and speeds up cell renewal. Royal jelly has many good properties, of which a few are : Reduces heart disease, lowers Cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces oxidative stress.
Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.
Regards, Taetske
Sharon
I always learn something new whenever I read your articles. Thanks for taking the time sharing all this important information. A worker bee only lives 1-2 months? Hmm, sad. My small yard always attracts bees. Probably because I have many flowering plants.
I am not too bothered the hive being too close so long they don’t bother me. They do know their place though. Somehow, they have moved away maybe we are disturbing them (not in a bad way, I assure you).
Taetske
Good Morning Sharon,
Nice to see you again and thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.
Good to hear you got some information from reading my article. Bees know where to find the good places and your garden seems to be one of them.
Our modern life is not ideal for bees and especially when those 5G towers are installed. Having bushes and plants helps them to survive.
Regards, Taetske