The Buzz About Bees

Hey everyone, summer has officially rolled in! With the arrival of this much-loved season comes longer days, vibrant blooms, and—of course—busy little bees! In Alberta alone, there are approximately 200 different species of native bees. Among them, bumblebees, leafcutter bees, masked bees, mason bees, and sweat bees are the most common (fun fact: none of these produce honey, unfortunately). While honeybees aren’t native to Alberta, they’ve been brought over from Europe to aid in honey production.

Bees play a crucial role in our environment. They help wild plants grow, promote biodiversity, and in the case of honeybees, produce honey—a delightful treat for both humans and animals alike. However, the bee population has faced significant challenges due to pesticide use and habitat destruction. If you're looking to support your local bees and enjoy the benefits of their pollination efforts, read on—we've got some tips for you!

Happy Bees Make Happy Gardens

Even if you haven’t planned specifically for bees, it’s never too late to make your garden more welcoming to these pollinators. Here are a few simple steps you can take:

Bee-Friendly Blooms

Gardening is the perfect chance to add some bee-friendly flowers to your space. Consider planting perennials like Queen Anne’s lace, zinnias, daisies, asters, monarda, larkspur, lavender, salvia, mint, or oregano. These flowers not only attract bees but also provide nourishment for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. To ensure continuous visits throughout the summer, choose flowers with staggered bloom times. Just remember to tailor your selections to your region’s climate and soil conditions to maximize growth potential.

Boosting plant diversity, keeping your garden well-watered, and steering clear of harmful pesticides will go a long way toward creating a thriving bee sanctuary. If you're eager to get involved beyond your backyard, check out local beekeeping clubs like the Calgary and District Beekeepers Association—they’re always happy to welcome new members!

Respectful Distance

As a final note, remember to give bees their space. Around 70% of Alberta’s bees build nests underground, and while most females can sting, they usually only do so if provoked. Wasps and hornets tend to be more aggressive, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those. If you do get stung, follow these steps:

1. Apply ice or a cold compress to the affected area.
2. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
3. For itchiness, calamine lotion works well; however, for severe symptoms, an antihistamine might be necessary.
4. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience intense swelling or an allergic reaction.

The Sweet Reward

Now let’s talk about something truly sweet—honey! Honeybees are the only insects capable of producing food consumed by humans, and they do so beautifully. Raw honey is packed with antioxidants and boasts antibacterial and antifungal properties. Yum!

Keeping Honey Fresh

Honey can sometimes crystallize over time, especially if left at room temperature for extended periods. Don’t worry—it’s completely normal! Simply warm it gently to restore its smooth consistency. Another tip? Opt for smaller jars when purchasing honey to prevent premature crystallization. Supporting local beekeepers by buying honey from nearby farms ensures freshness and helps sustain small businesses.

Cooking with Honey

Honey isn’t just for spreading on toast; it’s an incredible natural sweetener for cooking and baking. Try drizzling it over grilled nectarines for a touch of sweetness or marinate chicken thighs in honey-lime marinade for a burst of flavor. Its versatility makes honey a must-have in every kitchen!

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t, they should—for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.” — Ray Bradbury