Bees pollinate some of our most nutritious foods, including many types of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. They are responsible for 33% of our farmed crops, and about 80% of all pollination in nature. Given the critical importance of bees and other pollinators, recent challenges to their numbers and overall health are a very serious concern.
Bees are an extremely complex species and the factors impacting bee health are equally complex. Scientific evidence has shown many things adversely affect bee health, including parasites like Varroa mites, stresses from colony management, viruses/bacteria, poor nutrition, genetics, habitat loss, and improper use of pesticides.
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators thrive in healthy abundant habitats. The best way to grow a flourishing home for pollinators is to add plants and flowers that provide pollen and nectar throughout the growing season.