How can I help the bees?

by Rachel
(Modesto, California, USA)

What can I (and the general population) do to keep bees alive and thriving? Colony Collapse Disorder seems to be an increasing problem.

Hi Rachel

That's a good question, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is very worrying indeed. I think the best thing to do would be to give support to organizations which are pressing for funding more research into CCD. Write to your Congressman to impress upon them that this is a problem which must be fixed.

You might consider taking up Beekeeping. If you don't feel inclined to do that, you might also give support to your local beekeeping group. Press for the restrictions on keeping bee hives in urban environments be relaxed. This is already being done in parts of Britain and the call has gone out for people to offer to allow their land to be used as apiaries by beekeepers.

Perhaps most important of all. When bees are found somewhere inappropriate, either as a swarm or as an establish colony, they should be removed ALIVE by an expert, not exterminated as they so often are.

The Bee Guy