Why Is Beekeeping So Important?

All beekeepers are different. They have different motivations and methods, but the one thing they all have in common is their passion. Talk to any beekeeper about their bees, and they’ll be quick to tell you all about how necessary these little creatures are, and how much they admire them. Why is beekeeping so important, you ask? Find out with this overview of what bees do for you and your local environment.

Environmental Helpers

Bees are responsible for the pollination of the majority of crops as well as wildflowers. They also support the natural habitats for other animals and useful insects. Pollination is the process by which pollen transfers between flowers or other plants. This fertilizes them and allows them to reproduce and thrive. Bees are natural pollinators, and they play a big part in this process during their day-to-day work. To make honey, a worker bee has to fly from plant to plant collecting nectar. As it does, it also collects pollen to take back to the hive as food, and extra pollen collects in the fine hairs on its body. As the bee moves between plants, it leaves behind some pollen on each one, fertilizing them and helping the environment flourish.

Because bees are so good at pollinating, much of the ecosystem relies on them. Without their hard work, crops such as almonds, berries, apples, and various types of beans would disappear. They are also responsible for the growth of many natural foods for livestock, such as clover and alfalfa.

Declining Bee Populations

Another reason why beekeeping is so important is that it helps preserve bee populations. Beehives face a lot of challenges during the year—from cold winters to insufficient resources to human intervention. However, beekeepers do their best to help their hives survive through it all. The beekeeping community also does a lot to battle misconceptions people have about honey bees. When people understand more about these helpful little creatures, they’re more likely to take measures to protect them.

Beekeeping is a noble hobby that is an immense help to the environment and some of its most valuable workers, and it’s easier to do than you might think. If you want to see what the buzz is all about, there are plenty of beekeeping starter kits you can use. There’s also a welcoming, passionate community waiting to help you start your journey.