Blue Umbrella Official May 2020 issue | Page 15

bringing in around billions of dollars in profits. And that isn?t counting the work beekeepers do, or the production of honey. A study, done in 2009 by the White House, shows that ?the crop benefits from native insect pollination in the United States were valued at more than 9 billion dollars.? can be useful and beneficial to the human body. The venom that bees inject their aggravator with can be used to treat arthritis and even promote skin health. And we can?t forget about the bee?s wax. It?s everywhere: bees?wax candles, bees?wax hives, bees?wax skin cares. Yep, bee?s wax is a great and natural way to help healthy, pure skin. And finally, we can?t forget about the honey. Honey, loved by bears and humans alike; which one loves it the most is debatable, but the health benefits are not. Being a natural sweetener, honey is a great way to help that wonderful morning tea have just a little kick, adding a nice extra dose of antioxidants. Cutting the sugar intake in half, even those with diabetes can feel good about eating something sweet. Bees, ?bee?ing the wonderful creatures they are, seem to be experts in every area of life. Farmer. Architect. Loyal subject. Janitor. Guard. Nurse. The list goes on and on. But one area they really succeed in is finances. Bees pollinate around millions of plants a year, Even with all of these duties left to perform every day, bees?numbers are on the decline.?Many factors such as varroamites, food shortages, colony collapse disorders, and pollution are all leading to bees?decline.?Even with the decline, humans can help to keep these creatures thriving for years to come. Simple things, such as planting gardens, can give bees much needed food. ?Stop spraying dandelions and clover in your garden yard, and let them grow!?Dandelions and clover are a great food source for the bees , and dandelions are great in jelly, stews, and salads, too!?If you are going to fertilize your yard, do not use a fertilizer that kills the weeds.?Instead use one that only feeds your yard.?You could even help by making mason bee homes for those little non-stinging bees that you see going from plant to plant.?This can easily be done by drilling some holes in a piece of wood and hanging it from a tree.? So the next time you see your little friend flitting around, be kind, and remember that one out of three bites of food you eat, gallons upon gallons of honey that we enjoy,and the beautiful flowers that we adore. It all depends upon our wonderful pollinators. And as for bees, keep ?bee?ing our best friends! Features 15