HOW DECATUR HOMEOWNERS CAN HELP NATIVE BEES THRIVE

Helping bees in Decatur doesn’t necessarily mean becoming a beekeeper. There are

many things city homeowners can do to help our native bees thrive. All bee species

require flowering plants to survive. Some great backyard choices include Blackeyed

Susan, Coneflower, Cosmos, Lantana, Coreopsis and Sedum.

Like all animals, bees also require water. Since bees can easily drown, place pebbles or

rocks in a small dish of water to provide a place for them to stand while they drink. Limit

or avoid the use of insecticides and herbicides. Keep some portion of your property

undisturbed, leaving areas of bare ground and fallen logs for native solitary bee species

like Mining Bees and Mason Bees.

Photo credit: Angela Wynne