What immediate actions should be taken to save and protect the fragile bee popul

1. 87

   Wasteless Projectposted 10 years ago

   What immediate actions should be taken to save and protect the fragile bee populations in America?
   
   Bee populations have been it at risk for a while now. A recent study found that a deadly cocktail of fungicides, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals might play a major factor in the CCD (sudden death of a whole beehive) of honey bees. Honey bees are a keystone species and our agriculture might be at risk if bee populations continue to collapse any further. What could be the practical next steps to save the bee popultaions and also continue a viable form of agriculture?

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2. 60

   Morayma Rodriguezposted 10 years ago

   A good way to help is to stop using chemical pesticides, since that stuff poisons everything around it and not just the targeted pest. There are safer more natural ways of pest control, such as sprays made with the natural oil of plants.
   
   Canola Oil can help with controlling mites and aphids
   Milky Spore helps with controlling grubs
   Diatomaceous earth controls slug population
   Baking soda can be used on fungal diseases
   
   I've learned of these methods through this site:
   http://eartheasy.com/grow_nat_pest_cntrl.htm
   
   The site above and many like it can give all sorts of advice for controlling garden pest. If people use methods like these on a larger scale it ought to help.

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3. 74

   CraftytotheCoreposted 10 years ago

   Around my yard, I plant shrubs, flowering trees, and flowers that attract bees. I've noticed more bees moving in around the wooded areas near me.  I hope at least I'm helping the situation.  One source is the Arbor Foundation.  For a small ($10) fee they send free trees and newsletters about how to protect our trees.

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   1. 87

      Wasteless Projectposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It's a great idea to do in your own yard whatever is possible! Even though action on a larger scale is still necessary it is much better to take any action at all than just resigning....

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4. 97

   chef-de-jourposted 10 years ago

   Good question. The poor bees are suffering world wide. Here in the Uk honey bees are under severe pressure from pesticides, habitat loss and a parasitical bug. But the main problem seems to be these horrific pesticides (nicotinoids?) that are devastating to all kinds of creature.
   
   On a personal level I think we could all be aware of what we do to our gardens and local verges - the message is:
   
   * don't use any form of chemical unless it's completely natural/harmless
   * help the bee by growing as many attractive flowers as you can or let the wild flowers grow
   * create mini meadows and plant fruit trees that blossom
   
   It's common sense really. We need bees, bees need us to stop poisoning them!
   
   Write to local lobby groups, local mayors, politicians....become actively involved in some small way.

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