If you have not heard yet, our bee population is dwindling. "Across the 24 U.S. states affected by the mysterious phenomenon, losses have ranged up to 90 per cent," (Lester 2007). It has been three years since the first reports emerged of what some scientists call the colony collapse disorder (CCD);  the sudden wasting away of previously healthy beehives. Not only is it bad for those that make their living as bee keepers, it is of huge concern to our agriculture and environment. Researchers have been largely at a loss to explain the situation, which has now spread through the North America, Europe and parts of Asia.

Some point toward disease and pesticides as the cause of CCD. Stressed out by cross-country truck journeys and drought, attacked by viruses and introduced parasites, or whacked out by harmful new pesticides, some researchers believe the bees' natural defenses may have simply given way. While scientists continue to debate ways to address CCD, commercial honeybees aren’t the only pollinators. Natural bees also play a part, and there are things we can all do to improve their habitat and keep wild bee populations healthy.

Ways to help our disappearing bees:.

                Introducing Top Bar Hives to better pollinate your gardens, flowers,  creating healthy bees around your area. Please spread the word about natural beekeeping .

·         Plant things that bees like: Pollen feeds bees, so plant a wide variety that provides pollen such as clover, sage, oregano, lavender, alfalfa, Echinacea and buttercup. Bees also like flowering trees such as tulip poplars, tupelos, oranges, and sourwoods. In addition, bees prefer blue, purple and yellow flowers.

·         Provide bee habitat: Unless you have particular bee allergies, do not be afraid to attract pollinators to your yard (The “bees” that give most people trouble — yellowjackets, wasps, and hornets — aren’t really bees at all, and won’t be attracted by bee-friendly plants).

·         Eliminate garden pesticides: Bad for humans, worse for bees. Investigate organic and natural means of pest control.

·         Support your local beekeepers: Commercial pressures and unstable bee populations have made raising bees less attractive, but we still rely heavily on domesticated honeybees to pollinate our crops and gardens. Seek out your local beekeepers and buy their honey. There are health benefits   to eating local honey, and keeping small beekeepers in business is good for everyone. Find your local beekeeper information.

·         Go to the Pollinator Partnership to find out other ways that you can help and contribute to the solution.

You can access more information from the National Honey Board    NHB meetings are open to the public. That buzzing in your yard this summer is good news for bees — and everyone who depends on them