Why Honey Bees are Important

People seem to remember a time when any flying insect with a capacity to sting was regarded as an unwanted pest. But since those days, we as a species have become more aware of the importance of the honey bee as a pollinator and the disappearing population of honey bees.

Up to 90% of the worlds plants and flowers rely on pollinating insects such as the honey bee. Honey bees are estimated to be worth about $15 billion in the U.S. economy. People have been made aware of these factors through social media, news and documentaries.

About the Bee

A single honey bee can visit up to 2,000 flowers per day. Plants rely on the bee to unknowingly carry their pollen to other plants of the same species. This process allows for reproduction of the plant. The bee is rewarded with sweet nectar that the bee uses for food energy.

Disappearing Bee

The honey bee population has shrunk by 4 million bee colonies over the last 60 years. There are multiple reasons for this:

1. Loss of habitat: Basically, human encroachment in areas where bees live.
2. Bee parasites: An uptick in bee parasites is partly to blame.
3. Pesticides: Stronger and more widely used pesticides have affected the population of bees in the United States.

Bee Removal

If you discover a honey bee hive that is too close to your living space and want it removed, call a professional. The professional will help relocate the hive without killing the bees. Bee hives are protected and destroying them may get you fined. Call for help.