The ADOPT-A-HIVE Program

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Pollination is key in the reproduction of many plants. The honeybee is a major pollinator of several of our food crops including almonds, apples, avocados, cherries, cranberries, sunflowers, watermelon and so many more. adopt a hive adopt a beehive.

There is no single cause, according to most scientists who have studied the problem, but rather a combination of factors that include parasites, pathogens, pesticides, poor nutrition, and habitat loss.

One of the greatest threats to honeybees is industrial agriculture’s widespread use of pesticides. According to one study, nearly two-thirds of hives surveyed in Canada and the United States contain at least one synthetic pesticide. The most worrisome is a class of insecticide called neonicotinoids, which have been found to short-circuit bees’ memory and navigation. Neonicotinoids—which are often coated on the seeds of crops including canola (or rape seed) that many honeybee colonies rely on for pollen—include Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, Dinotefuran, Imidacloprid, Nitenpyram, Thiacloprid, and Thiamethoxam. The EPA announced in 2016 that Imidacloprid, a widely used. neonicotinoid insecticide, “potentially poses risk to hives when the. pesticide comes in contact with certain crops that attract pollinators” adopt a hive.

Saving bees is a big job- but acting is easy! By starting in your own community, you can help make our world a healthier place for bees. Here are some things that you can do to save our bees:

Protect bee habitat!

One of the largest threats to bees is the lack of habitat due to urban sprawl. If you notice a lack of green space in your neighborhood, you can volunteer to plant a bee garden or create a habitat corridor with nectar-rich plants such as wildflowers. You don’t need a ton of space to help save the bees- gardens can be established in small spaces like balconies or street corners, and flowers can be planted along roadways and other public areas. You can also get involved with your local government to advocate sensible limits to development where you live.

Avoid harmful pesticides.

Synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides are harmful to bees. Using these pesticides in your garden can not only keep bees away, but also endanger their lives. If you must treat your garden, opt for organic pesticide options and spray at night when pollinators are least active. Or use beneficial insects such as praying mantises and ladybugs in your garden. Avoid chemicals belonging to the neonicotinoid family at all costs, as they are especially harmful to bees.

Adopting a honeybee hive can help improve the number of honey bees in your immediate area. Many people want to help save the bees but do not have the time, location, or resources to do so. By adopting a hive, you give an aspiring beekeeper the tools/bees needed to become a beekeeper themselves.