How to protect our bees

Bees are a very important part of Earth’s ecosystem. They are the dominating pollinators of the world’s wild plants and food crops. If all the bees disappeared, we would have a massive worldwide food crisis at the least.

Our Bees have been in decline for years now. This is due to disease, pesticide use, and changes in habitat. We can do our part to help their population by adding more flowering plants and educating ourselves on pesticides.

There are products labeled "Bee-safe" that claim they will not kill bees, yet some work by coating and suffocating insects. This is how some people unintentionally kill bees. By following the directions (on some of these products) and applying them in the evening, we can avoid the issue. However, most mention application times in reference to avoiding plant injury and not keeping bees safe, which can be misleading. So be aware that even products marketed heavily as "bee-safe", may not be completely safe for them at all times.

To bee safe, please research the products you have now and the products you will purchase in the future. Also, spray insecticides in the evening, avoiding any blooms if possible.

Spinosad is a natural insecticide that is highly toxic to bees. If you would still like to use Spinosad, spray it in the evening when bees are not active so it has time to dry, reducing its toxicity.

Neonicotinoids are a group of insecticides used often on a commercial level and in urban settings. They are absorbed by the plants, making all parts toxic, even the pollen and nectar, killing bees and butterflies. 

Neonicotinoid insecticides include acetamiprid, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin. 

**Check plant tags before purchasing.**

Dawn dish soap (commonly used as a surfactant and diy insecticide) can kill bees by coating their bodies and preventing breathing. Try to use mixtures containing this at night when bees are not active. It should not be toxic when it dries.

The Sevin insecticide, which is sold as a "safe" product in some places, is another big killer of bees.

Pyrethrum is another natural insecticide that is toxic to bees (mammals, too, especially cats).

Neem oil is toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment (spraying on the bee or the bee touching wet product). To avoid this, please spray this one in the evening as well.