Protecting pollinators, one flower visit at a time
How flowers, nests and wildlife fit together
Protecting pollinators starts with two questions: where can they feed, and where can they nest? A row of flowers can supply food. A patch of undisturbed soil a few steps away can be just as important. Follow one bee’s visit to a flower, then look around for the habitat that makes the visit possible.
What happens when a bee visits a flower?
A bee may come for nectar to fuel its flight or gather pollen to feed its young. As it brushes a flower, some pollen grains stick to its body. When it visits another flower of the same kind, a few grains may reach the part that receives pollen. That transfer helps plants form seeds and, in many cases, fruit.
For example, a berry can feed a bird after a bee has helped pollinate the flower. Some plants depend heavily on insects for this transfer, while others use wind or can pollinate themselves. The USDA guide to insect pollinators explains how pollination connects flowers, food and wildlife.
Where do different bees nest?
Honey bees live together on wax comb. A bumblebee queen may start a spring nest in an old rodent burrow. Many solitary bees, however, dig their own tunnels in the ground or use holes in wood and hollow stems.
Because nesting habits differ, one bee box serves only a fraction of the bees in a neighborhood. Leaving part of a yard undisturbed can protect nests you will never see. The pollinator habitat guide can help you choose a spot.
Bee behavior to watch for
- Pollen transport. Look at a bee’s legs and underside as it moves between blossoms. Depending on the species, you may see a compact pollen load or a dusting on hairs.
- The “Waggle Dance”: Honeybees use a unique dance to communicate the location of food sources. By waggling and circling in the hive, they provide precise information to their fellow bees about distance, direction, and quality of the food.
- Unique Species: There are over 20,000 known species of bees. In addition to the well-known honeybees and bumblebees, there are various solitary bee species, each with their own remarkable characteristics.
- Flower visits. Two bees may use the same flower differently. Watch whether they reach for nectar or brush pollen onto their bodies.
Protecting pollinators in your neighborhood
Start with something you can sustain through the season. A good first step is to watch which plants draw bees to a particular patch, then see whether anything blooms there a month later.
- Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens: Grow native flowers and plants that attract bees, providing them with a steady source of nectar and pollen.
- Avoid Pesticides: Minimize the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides in your garden. Identify the pest first, and use a nonchemical control when it works. Even an organic pesticide can harm bees.
- Support Local Beekeepers: Buy honey and other bee-related products from local beekeepers to sustain their efforts.
- Raise Awareness: Educate your community about the importance of bees and their challenges. Advocate for bee-friendly policies in your area.
- Participate in Citizen Science: Join local or online programs that track and report bee populations. Your observations can contribute to vital research on bee health.
Return to the same spot while different plants are in flower. Write down what is blooming and which visitors you see. Those notes can help a family, gardener or grounds crew decide where to plant next.