Why are there fewer bees? / How you can help / The benefits of honey

Why are there fewer bees?, also, How you can help, also, The benefits of honey. . , Why are there fewer bees? , Beekeepers and scientists agree that honey bee numbers have been in decline for years. The reason for the decline are varied and include: ,

. Parasitic mites that were introduced into the United States in the 1980's. They spread throughout North America and have eliminated many wild honey bee colonies. Beekeepers must treat their hives for mites every year or risk losing them. , . The increasing use of pesticides. From direct contact with harmful chemicals to the possible cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, pesticides have emerged as a major cause of honey bee decline. , . Loss of suitable habitat and forage. What many people consider the perfect yard, low maintenance evergreens on mulched islands in a sea of lawn, provide no food at all for the honey bee.

, Because of these and other factors, the natural ability of honey bees to fight off disease organisms has been greatly diminished, allowing new diseases to take their toll. It is becoming rare to see honey bees in the garden or field unless there is a beekeeper in the area., How you can help , Plant for the bees , Bees prefer meadows of weedy wildflowers, and nectar-bearing trees and shrubs such as black locust, linden or basswood, tulip poplar, Russian olive, sumac, and others. Consult the New Jersey Beekeepers Association (www.njbeekeepers.org) and other internet resources for bee-friendly plants you can cultivate. Encourage you local municipality to do the same., Use caution with pesticides , Use as little as necessary and never apply to plants where bees are foraging., Diversify plantings wherever possible , Varieties of crops provide more food for the honey bee., Buy local , Support local beekeepers by buying local honey and other bee products., The benefits of honey , Honey is a quick, easy, and delicious all-natural energy source, whether you're looking for an energy boost or just a sweet reward after a long workout. ,
Honey attracts and retains moisture. This makes it beneficial in a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos, and conditions., Honey is a natural cough suppressant and sore-throat soother., Honey can be used to fight infections and speed healing in wounds., The local pollen found in honey may alleviate some allergy symptoms., For more information about the benefits of honey, visit www.Honey.com