The number of bees is dramatically decreasing in France and around the world. Do you want to take action? A few simple daily steps could help protecting them.
1. Favour natural treatments in the garden
If you have a garden or even a few pots on a balcony, avoid chemical treatments as much as possible (pesticides, insecticides, weed killers...) and favour natural methods such as killing weeds naturally. If an emergency treatment is necessary, apply it when the plants are not blooming or at night when bees are less active.
Plants said to be "honeybee-friendly" or rich in nectar produce nectar and pollen in large quantity and of good quality meeting the bees’ feeding needs: poppies, lavenders, dandelion, oregano, sunflowers, cornflowers, chicories... If you have grass, do not cut it short and let flowers like dandelion or white clover bloom. Specialist would even advise you to keep a fallow area in the garden to transform it into a biodiversity haven.
3. Eat honey and products respectful of bees
Do you like honey? Buy it from local beekeepers to sustain their activity. Look for the "Bee Friendly" label which identifies agricultural products respectful of bees and pollinators. For now, it only comprises three sectors: viticulture, fruits and vegetables, dairy products (look for the logo on products).
4. Pamper the bees
Host them by building a shelter: it will protect them if needed, especially during winter. Do not forget a drinking area not too deep to avoid drowning and with areas so the bees can relax. Also think about fighting Asia hornets – fearsome predators – by signalling the presence of nests to your municipality.
5. Set up hives – even in unexpected places
You can set up hives at home if you have a lot of space or even participate in a collective project. For instance, in Labenne, the Bonduelle factory is nestled in the heart of a beautiful natural reserve. Its employees create a flower fallow land and – so that the bees can truly enjoy this incredible pantry – set up 9 beehives. They are managed with the help of a beekeeper with honey crops!