Protecting Our Honeybees: A Call to Action for Beekeepers

The Challenge We Face

I recently spoke with WCNC Charlotte about a growing challenge facing honeybees and local beekeepers across North Carolina: the loss of native habitat combined with increased pesticide and herbicide exposure.

As new neighborhoods and subdivisions are built, acres of native plants can disappear almost overnight. These plants provide essential pollen and nectar for honeybees and other pollinators. When that natural forage is replaced with concrete, landscaping fabric, and treated lawns, bees are left with fewer safe places to find food.

The Impact of Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure can be just as damaging. Bees do not need to be sprayed directly to be harmed. A worker bee may visit a dandelion, flower, or tree that has been treated, then unknowingly carry contaminated pollen and nectar back to the hive. Once those chemicals enter the colony, thousands of bees can be affected.

I experienced this firsthand at one of our apiary locations in Indian Trail. After two nearby subdivisions were developed and the surrounding land was cleared, we lost 15 out of 20 colonies within a single week. With approximately 60,000 bees in a healthy colony, that loss represented nearly 900,000 honeybees. It was a devastating financial loss, but it was also an incredibly difficult emotional loss.

A Vision for Responsible Growth

I am not against responsible growth or development. My hope is that developers, pest control companies, landscapers, and homeowners can work together to protect native plants, limit unnecessary chemical use, and create safer spaces for pollinators.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Small decisions can make a meaningful difference. Here are a few simple actions we can all take:

• Allow beneficial plants such as dandelions and clover to bloom.

• Plant native flowers that provide food for bees.

• Carefully consider when and where chemicals are applied.

  
  

These actions can help protect the bees that support our gardens, farms, ecosystems, and food supply.

Join the Movement

Watch the WCNC Charlotte interview to learn more about what local honeybees are facing and how our communities can help. Together, we can make a difference for our bees and the environment.

By fostering a community around sustainable beekeeping and natural wellness, we can ensure a brighter future for our pollinators. Let's work together to create a world where bees thrive!