Summer is here! The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the bees are buzzing. Local bees provide the pollinator power to keep our ecosystem healthy and happy. Here are a few things you can do to be a friend to our local bees.
Friendly Flowers
Illinois has a diverse array of native prairie plants and flowers that bloom in different seasons. When looking to fill the bare spot in your yard or the empty pots on your deck, make a point to plant bee-friendly wildflowers, herbs and flowering trees. The Illinois Native Plant Society has a list of native plant sales on their website. You can also contact the Bolingbrook Garden Club for advice and guidance on which native plants would suit your deck or landscaping.
Photo Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden
Not sure about making a native flower commitment this year? Annuals such as cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, salvia and latana provide plenty of pollen and nectar for bees and hummingbirds.
Avoid Pesticides & Herbicides
Commercial pesticides contain toxic chemicals that are dangerous to bees. Instead, try using organic or natural pest control methods and products.
Set Aside A Happy Habitat
Not all bees build homes in tall places! Mason bees are solitary creatures that make their homes in wood or in the ground. They do not congregate in large groups, so they are perfect companions for your garden, provided you have a plethora of pollinator-friendly plants.
To ensure Mason bees and other garden-forward pollinators like the leafcutter bee have their space, leave empty bare-soil areas for them to nest or install bee hotels on your property.
Photo Credit: Andrew Thomson/Alamy
Pocket Prairies and Pollinator Gardens
Reduce your lawn size and replace it with a pocket prairie, native plant habitat or pollinator garden. Not only will you have a large space for bees, birds and fireflies to find shelter, you’ll also reduce the amount of time, gasoline, and engine exhaust needed to maintain your lawn.
Photo Credit: Curbed Chicago
Help Bee Swarms Find A New Home
Bee swarms can be an overwhelming and unwelcome sight. Bee swarms aren’t necessarily aggressive, but they should always be handled by a trained beekeeper. If you are uncomfortable with a swarm or colony of bees, we recommend you contact Swarmed. This is a free service where beekeepers will respond to requests, visit the swarm and transport them to a new home. You can use the Swarmed service whenever needed, and you can expect to receive a swift response.
Reading Recommendations
Want to learn more about bees and how to make your home pollinator-friendly? Check out these free books at the library!
See You At The Library!
Debra