Bee kind to bees day

Haven apiarist or bee-keeper Kerrie Flett has suggested people grow a variety of flowers to extend a flowering season in efforts to encourage bees in the garden environment.

She said, in response to World Bee Day today, that bees were particularly attracted to blue, purple, violet, white and yellow flowers.

“Bees drink a lot of water, so it’s good to be able to provide a water source,” she said.

“This can be a pond or bird bath, and be sure there are some rocks or even shade cloth in the water source so the bees don’t drown.

“Don’t use chemicals and pesticides because many of these can kill bees. If you must use them, try using them in the evening when the bees are back in their hives, avoiding contact.

“Don’t panic when you spot a bee close to you. Remain calm and walk away if they are particularly interested in you. Usually they are just going about their business.”

Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment, HOPE, has been encouraging people around the world to get involved in an online Waggle Dance Challenge, in the lead-up to today.

The challenge is an Australian-led, global effort to raise awareness of the importance of bees for food and the environment.

Apart from European honey bees, which are important for commercial food crops as well as honey production, Australia is home to a vast variety of native bees, most of them solitary with unique pollen-gathering techniques.