Non-honey bees

The honey bee is a unique species of bee, and we have made it even more so. It is bred in large numbers, even in places that it would never naturally reach. It is the best-known species — ask any child about bees and see which ones they describe! When people hear that bees are in danger and need protection, the honeybee is often the first species that comes to mind. Many people want to become beekeepers or support apiaries in order to help the bees. However, the honeybee is not a species threatened with extinction. Artificially increasing its population doesn’t help and can even endanger wild bee species — many of which are actually vulnerable! Honeybees can outcompete wild bees when collecting pollen and nectar, and their diseases can spread to wild bee populations. When honeybees’ densities are very large, they compete with each other and diseases spread more easily, which is not good for them either.

I believe that most of you reading this are familiar with the issue. What you can do is spread the word to others. Let people know that there are many bees in the world (and even more pollinators) that need food, a place to nest and a safe environment — not more honeybee hives.