Bees play an essential role in the ecosystem. They pollinate one-third of everything people eat, from sunflowers to cocoa beans to coffee. Unfortunately, these essential pollinators are in danger. In the last 100 years, 50% of the Midwest’s native bee species have disappeared from their native ranges. Pro-Staff, providers of pest control in Des Moines, recommend taking steps to protect pollinators.

Plant Native Plants

Many bees have co-evolved with native plants and flowers, and they specialize in pollinating these plants. To help your local bees, incorporate as many native plants as possible into your landscaping.

In Iowa, these native plants include prairie grasses like little bluestem and prairie dropseed. Prairie smoke, wild geranium, prairie phlox, rose mildewed, and wild bergamot are just some of the state’s beautiful native flowers. To better attract pollinators, arrange these native plants in clumps.

Reduce Insecticide Use

Insecticides can effectively control unwanted insects, but they can also harm beneficial bugs, like bees. Bees can be inadvertently exposed to insecticides when they’re foraging for pollen. In some cases, this kills the bee immediately. In other cases, the bee brings contaminated pollen or nectar back to its hive and contaminates the rest of the colony.

To protect bees, reduce insecticide use. If you must use insecticides, choose a less toxic product that degrades quickly. These pesticides should be applied in the evening, after bees are done foraging for the day.

Create Bee Habitat

In suburban and urban environments, there are few places for native bees to live. Manicured lawns, non-native flowers, and paved areas may look nice, but they replace the native areas where bees would live. To protect bees, create a bee habitat on your property.

Some native bees burrow, so ensure that they have a patch of soil to live in, preferably in a sunny spot. An uncultivated patch in your garden or a bare spot in your lawn could be the perfect home for bees. Other bees live in wood. To help these bees, you could install a bee condo. These are wooden nesting blocks that can be attached to trees.

Bees are beneficial insects, and native bee species are in danger. To keep these pollinators safe, plant native plants, reduce insecticide use, and create bee habitats. If you have any questions about bees, don’t hesitate to call Pro-Staff, the trusted providers of pest control in Des Moines.