The defense of bees is essential to safeguard the balance of systems. It is estimated that a third of global food production depends on the role of these insects, as well as an important part of forage for livestock.
However, pollution, the use of pesticides or the increasing presence of velutina wasps endanger the survival of these pollinators. Below, we explain 4 simple strategies with which you can contribute to the care of bees.
The Asian wasp is a natural predator of bees, whose sting is also potentially dangerous for humans. The nests of this invasive species already spread throughout the country. Luckily, you can create your own homemade traps in your orchard, terrace or garden to stop them.
You just have to cut a bottle in half, remove the cap and put the upper part inside the lower part upside down, like a funnel. Pierce both sides of the bottle to place a cord or wire and pour a mixture of vinegar, salt and sugar inside. Finally, hang the trap from a tree branch in a place where velutine wasps may be present. The sweet smell of the sticky mixture will attract these insects, which will not be able to escape through the hole in the bottle and will die from drowning or starvation.
If you have fruit trees on your farm, you must be extremely careful when using phytosanitary products. It is recommended to apply insecticides when the flowers are closed, since if you do so when they are open, the bees can land and die poisoned by the chemicals. This is also a counterproductive practice for farmers in the long term, since the absence of pollinators will lead to a reduction in production. Whenever you can, choose to use natural fertilizers.
In your garden, biodiversity helps preserve bees. More than having a homogeneous lawn. Something as simple as letting wild plants grow in uncultivated areas or on the edges of plantations will guarantee a food source for pollinating insects. Opt for seasonal flowering plants and local varieties of all shapes, colors and sizes to extend pollination beyond spring and promote the conservation of native species.
Likewise, by buying local honey you help maintain the activity of local beekeepers, who cover the costs of the apiaries, and therefore, the bees and the surrounding flora. Crystallized honey is a natural product with an exquisite flavor that has nothing to do with processed honey from the supermarket.
If you have a farm that you do not use, you can give it to producers to install their hives. Also, if what you want is to help bees, what better way than to get started in the world of beekeeping! Install your own hives and practice an eco-friendly hobby... And it will give you free honey.
