Bees play a crucial part in the pollination process. When they stop by a flower to smell it, their hairy bodies collect pollen that they then carry to the next plant they visit. A world without bees means a world with far fewer plants, fruits, and vegetables. By encouraging bees to visit your garden, you can help ensure pollination occurs, and, in turn, your garden will flourish.

Garden with a Green Thumb

If you want to encourage bees to visit your garden, then it is necessary to change your gardening habits. If you’re encouraging any insect activity around your garden, we recommend against using pesticides. Pesticides do not target specific insects, meaning bees can suffer from their toxins. It’s also helpful to keep pollinators in mind when picking out plants for your garden; pollinators prefer local plants that are native to the region. Select a variety of shapes and colors, and plant these flowers in the sunniest spots of your garden.

Choosing Flowers

Planting a diverse garden can not only encourage bees to visit your property, but it can also encourage other pollinators, such as butterflies, to stop by your garden as well. Bees prefer these flowers, native to Iowa:

• Wild Lupine: Part of the pea family, wild lupine grows in upright spikes with colorful purple flowers. Wild lupine can grow as high as two feet. 
• Spiderwort: These bright purple flowers entice bees thanks to their loud color. 
• Bee Balm: As its name suggests, bees love bee balm. With an open, daisy-like shape, this flower comes in a variety of colors including red, pink, purple, and white.
• Purple Prairie Clover: Purple prairie clover not only encourages bees, but it can also prevent soil erosion. Purple prairie clover is often favored for its unique color.
• New England Aster: New England aster looks exactly like a purple daisy. This flower is perennial and typically blooms in the fall.
• Goldenrod: A relative of the black-eyed susan, goldenrod attracts bees due to its bright color. 

While there are plenty of helpful insects, there are also more than enough insects that you don’t want to encourage on your property. For a pest control plan, contact Pro-Staff, located in Des Moines. Our comprehensive pest prevention plan includes liquid insect repellents, granular bait, and a guarantee to control all crawling insects for one fall year. To schedule your no-cost, no-obligation quote, give us a call at (515) 279-7378.