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Focus on all Bees equally
Why all bees?
Why constrict conservation efforts to just native bees and honey bees when we can conserve both at the same time? Arguably, this is what is already happening now, although more of the general public's focus is on honey bees. We can use the fact that people already know about honey bees to our advantage in this situation, and educate more people on the difference between native and honey bees instead. Most of the ways previously described on how we can protect native bees apply equally to honey bees and vise-versa. Even though honey bees are invasive, there is no way we can eradicate them from North America, so we must accept the fact that they have become a part of our ecosystem.
In addition to conservation methods already mentioned, like reducing pesticide use and green spaces, advocating for effective legislature and expanding public knowledge are equally necessary.
Expanding public knowledge
We have discussed the importance of both native bees and honey bees, and while both are crucial, what might be more effective to focus on is informing the public about bees. A first step in informing people, is helping people overcome their fear of bees. Most native bees are, in fact, very docile and few species actually sting. Unlike wasps, bees will only sting if they feel threatened or their colony is threatened. If a bee is buzzing around you, they are simply curious or think you are a flower. However, fears and allergies are a real and valid thing, but you don't have to like bees to want to help them.
The most important topics to educate on is the difference between native and honey bees, and the necessity of green spaces. It is also important to learn about the types of native bees and plants common in your area and how they interact with their environments. Knowing about native bees can make sure that people can identify where a potential nest is and to avoid or protect it, and what flowers to plant.
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Field of red clover
Specify Conservation Efforts
As stated in previous pages, there are many conservation efforts that will improve the lives of all bees in North America. If we are wanting to have everyone do their part, then we need to determine the best conservation effort for them. Whether you are a farmer or live in a high-rise, there will be something for you to do. However it is up to you to research or talk to your neighbors for how they incorporate sustainable practices into their lives.
For the vast majority of people, you don't need to purchase hives or convert your entire lawn to a wildflower garden, there are many small things you can do. One of the easiest things to do is make a small window or plant box that has a few wildflowers and maybe a shallow dish of water. This will give bees a nice rest stop, and also might attract other animals like butterflies. To go a step further, you can create a pollinator-friendly area inside your garden or yard. It only needs to have a few native plants that are free from pesticides or herbicides. If you wanted to specifically attract solitary bees, you could create a bee hotel or provide a space for ground-nesting bees. Bee hotels will attract bees that build nests in small holes, like mason bees and leafcutter bees. If you do see bees, you can also take pictures and post them to databases like Bug Guide and iNaturalist that identify and track the location of posted pictures of insects for scientific research.
Bumblebee nest made from bird feathers and moss
Advocate
Another option for some involves advocating for the conservation of bees. There are many things you can do both at a community level and state level. If your community has public gardens, consider asking if you can plant native flowers or put up a bee hotel around the perimeter. You could also post signs or host an outreach event informing members about how they can help at home. If you are willing to do more, there are many outreach organizations to can join, most notably the Xerces society or Beecity USA. Both of these organizations have information and hands-on events all over the country that anyone can get involved in.
You can also advocate for the improvement of conservation and environmental policies through petitions and referendums. Each state and country is different, so talk to or research the legislators near you to learn what they are doing about climate change and pollinator conservation. It is surprising how little knowledge some lawmakers have about these issues and their solutions.
Beyond bees
It is important to note that there is so much more to bee conservation then just the bees themselves. Aspects like climate change, sustainable farming, and urbanization all play a factor in this issue. If one is advocating or participating in bee conservation efforts, then they must also be willing to at least support related movements. These things are not independent of each other, so if you want to save the bees be prepared to live a sustainable lifestyle as well.
Challenging Alternative Positions
Opponents of focusing on all bees rather than just native or honey bees argue that this might lead to oversimplification of the issue and what bees need to thrive. However, not everyone needs to know everything about this issue, as long as they are aware of the basics and what they can do to help the cause. As with all movements, dissension isn't healthy. This position is a perfect middle ground and incorporates nearly all aspects of both sides. Additionally, using the methods outlined on this page can also help all pollinators, not just bees.
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