There’s a plethora of phobias in the world, ranging from the common fears of heights, snakes, and spiders, to the more obscure ones that leave most people scratching their heads.
Come on, it’s bees. Well, not just bees, but anything that buzzes and has the potential to sting. However, bees definitely take the top spot in my fear hierarchy. Why, you ask? If I knew the answer, maybe I could find a way to conquer this irrational fear.
As a young child, my fear of bees knew no bounds. If I had the power to snap my fingers and eradicate bees from existence, I probably would have done it – a thought that I’m not proud of now.
With the wisdom that comes with hindsight, along with a bit more maturity and knowledge, I understand that it would have been a catastrophic mistake. If I had wiped out bees, it would have spelled doom for the human race.
You see, bees play an indispensable role in our ecosystem. According to the United Nations Environment Program, 71 out of 100 crop varieties that provide 90% of the world’s food rely on bee pollination.
Armed with this knowledge – and relieved that I didn’t grow up to become a supervillain – I’ve developed a newfound respect for bees. While I may still run away flapping my arms if one buzzes near me, I recognize their vital importance.
Unfortunately, a bit of research reveals the grim reality of the challenges bees are facing. As reported by the Center for Biological Diversity, up to 40% of bee species are currently at risk of extinction.
Given these dire circumstances, it’s important for everyone to know the simple steps they can take to support bee populations, especially in urban areas.
Renowned biologist and conservationist David Attenborough suggests placing a spoonful of sugary water in your backyard. It might sound trivial, but this mixture can revive tired bees, giving them the energy boost they need to survive.
In cases where you find a seemingly lifeless bee on the ground, it’s often because it’s too exhausted to return to its hive. The sugar solution, made of two tablespoons of white sugar and one tablespoon of water, can make a life-saving difference.
But there’s more you can do. Simple actions like planting flowers on your balcony or setting aside a portion of your yard for wildflowers can provide bees with much-needed nectar, thus supporting the local ecosystem.
So, if you ever catch your loved ones setting out a spoonful of sugar, let me tell you! Better yet, join in and place your own spoon outside, playing your part in bee conservation efforts.