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Urban beekeeping is more important than you think


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    Digital writers
    theweathernetwork.com

    Friday, May 27, 2016, 2:20 PM - Urban beekeeping has become a growing trend in Canada as cities are responding to the troubling problem of a worldwide decrease in honey bee populations.

    Why do we need honey bees?

    Bees are the most important pollinator of our fruits, vegetables and flowers. More than 1/3 of the world’s crop production is dependent on bee pollination alone. In the areas where bees are no longer present humans have to pollinate by hand—sometimes with the use of a paintbrush.

    Urban beekeeping 

    Urban beekeeping is the practice of maintaining bee colonies within urban areas. Urban beekeepers closely manage their hives on a daily basis and protect them against harsh winters. Beekeepers help raise bees for their honey production and various hive products such as wax and pollen.

    Can consuming local honey relieve your seasonal allergies?

    The pollen that is associated with honey production is brought into the beehive as a food source for bee larvae (baby bees). The left over pollen ends up in the honey and is very minimal. Therefore, you would not be consuming enough local pollen to relieve your seasonal allergies. The myth is false.

    Climate 

    Bee behaviour is deeply affected by temperature. Honey bees will not work below 13oC. Typically, bees can be found in tropical climates that are heavily forested, but bees have the ability to adapt to different environments. For example, when honey bees are in colder climates they will consume more honey and use their metabolic heat to provide warmth to their colony. Honey bees in a tropical climates will not consume as much honey and won’t spend as much time building insulated hives. 

    Honey bees on the decline 

    Bees have been on the decline since WWII. In the U.S. an average of 30% of beehives are lost every winter. The percentage of lost beehives is increasing yearly, and yet we rely on their pollination for many of our crops. Worldwide there is a 300% increase in crop production that requires bee pollination. 

    How can you help?

    Plant bee friendly wild flowers and avoid the use of pesticides. Search for flowers that are native to your area and plant them everywhere. It is important to have a diversity of flowers and maintain landscapes to their natural form. When we alter natural landscapes we eliminate flowering plants that bees need for their survival. 

    SOURCE: Canadian Honey Council | Ontario Honey | Ted Talk 

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