The Honey Bees and Why Are They So Important?

The honey bees and why are they so important? How can we help keep them around?

Honey bees play a crucial role in our ecosystems and agricultural systems, making them indispensable to both biodiversity and food production. As pollinators, they are responsible for the fertilization of many flowering plants, including a significant portion of the crops that people and animals rely on for food. It is estimated that one-third of the food we consume each day depends on pollination. This includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. California almonds rely almost completely on commercial bee keepers who are either local or from outside of the state who bring their bees in for their winter weather. Without honey bees, many of these crops would see drastically reduced yields, leading to increased food scarcity and higher prices.

Honey bees contribute significantly to the health of ecosystems. They facilitate the reproduction of not just agricultural plants but also wild flora, which provides habitats and food for countless other species. This interaction helps maintain ecological balance and promote genetic diversity within plant populations, ultimately supporting the entire food web. 

Sadly, there is a decrease in pollinators including the bees. Why is the pollinator population decreasing? The decline in honey bee populations, often attributed to factors like habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and diseases. These factors pose a serious threat not only to agricultural productivity but also to overall ecosystem health. 

2007 was the lowest in commercial beekeeping recorded down to nearly 2 million beekeepers. The Washington post reports bee keepers have risen to closer to 3 million in 2024. This doesn’t necessarily mean pollinators are on the rise, it just means bee keeping has risen in popularity. Bee keeping is important but it’s also just as important to go out there and create beautiful flower-rich habitat on your farm or your garden. 

Having flower and pollen rich habitats can be just as beneficial as anything else in keeping native pollinators and honey bees alive. 

Interesting fact but the peak number of commercial beekeeping hives was in 1946. This was around 6 million. That was because the number of hives was increased dramatically to provide honey as a substitute for constrained sugar imports, and beeswax was a major ingredient for many military applications. It was also used to desensitize gun powder for naval guns, a corrosion inhibitor for brass casings and waterproofing for airplanes, ammunition, and also in motors and electric coils. Who knew!? 

So, by promoting the health and well-being of honey bee populations, we invest in the sustainability of our food systems, the vitality of our natural environments, and the continuity of cultural traditions associated with these remarkable creatures. Protecting honey bees is not just about preserving a single species; it is about safeguarding a vital component of life on Earth.

Go out there and plant a pollinator garden! Send us your pics and show us how you’re saving the bees!