May is here and pollen season is underway. That means busy days for bees and other pollinating insects to put food on the table for people and animals.
But in recent years, the number of insects in the world has decreased drastically. Humans use more of nature, and insects have less space.
That’s why it’s important to take care of the remaining habitats, says Astrid Bjerg Lund, communications officer at the Norwegian Beekeeping Association.
One of these habitats could be your own garden – and there are many steps you can take to help bees.
– I don’t even want to think about it
Astrid Bjerke Lund says that bees and pollinating insects are very important to us as humans.
Dependent: The world’s food production is completely dependent on bees and other pollinating insects, says Astrid Bjerke Lund.
Photo: Norwegian Beekeepers Association
They pollinate fruits, berries and vegetables and help ensure there is food on the table.
It is estimated that they account for one-third of the world’s food production.
– We are totally dependent on them. “I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if they died,” says Björk Lund.
He believes that everyone is responsible for the life they live and that you should try to take care of the nature around you as much as you can.
Bjerg Lund also points out that if you help insects – in your own garden – they will help you back.
Facilitates insects
Beekeeper Alexandre du Rites lives on a family farm in the municipality of Gran in Hetland, where he practices traditional beekeeping.
Du Rietz believes it’s time for humans to do something to help the tiny insects.
– We humans need space, and create natural areas for the benefit of roads, cities and industry. Over generations, animals have become less alive, he says.
Du Rietz points out that people in Norway are very good at making arrangements for insects and we have a lot of knowledge about it.
However, there are many things everyone can do in their own home to help bees:
Let the grass grow
A simple beekeeper’s tip to help bees and other pollinating insects: Let the garden grow and grow freely for years.
Then many species of plants and flowers grow. It is important not to cut or remove the growth.
If you think it’s too much to let the entire garden grow freely, the beekeeper recommends setting aside a small area of grass that you don’t touch.
– Nature is then allowed to take its course on that part of the meadow.
Wild: Beekeepers say insects benefit from plants growing naturally and wildly in the garden.
Photo: Ann-Christine Mo / NRK
Build a bee hotel
Do you love DIY projects? Then you can try to build a bee hotel.
Many insects live in nests, and a bee hotel helps insects settle in.
– It’s very easy, says beekeeper Du Rietz.
All that is required is to drill several holes of different sizes in a log and hang it in a sunny place.
If you don’t want to make your own, you can also buy ready-made bee hotels at garden centers, says the beekeeper.
Hotels: Bees and other insects like to enter bee hotels where they can build their nests.
Photo: Janike Susan Forstad / NRK
Want to open a bee inn?
Ditch the pesticides
According to Alexander du Reitz, one of the most important things you can do is to give up pesticides.
For example, if you spray against weeds, insects may pick it up and carry it into their nests. It can cause disease, and the insects will get sick.
– It goes without saying that getting poisoned on you is not good.
Poison: Pesticides kill weeds but are poisonous to insects.
Photo: Colorbox
Plant insect-friendly seeds
The beekeeper advises people to gain knowledge about which plants bees like so they can plant them in the garden.
– My advice is to talk to garden centers and ask for bee friendly seed mixes.
According to Du Rietz, these plants contain a lot of nectar, which attracts insects to pollinate them. In addition, he points out that there are often beautiful flowers that can decorate the garden or balcony.
– I plant clover and honeysuckle. I think they are the best, they are nice blue flowers.
Nectar: Insect-friendly plants contain large amounts of nectar and provide a stimulus for pollinating insects.
Photo: Jan Henrik Hansen
Read it
Alexander du Reitz’s last tip is to learn more about bees.
There are many books on how to care for bees and insects, many of which are suitable for children, she says.
– It is very important for the younger generation to learn, but it is also important for the older generation to learn, he says.
- Want to read about insects? Check out these articles:
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