The month of May is upon us and the pollen season is underway. That means busy days for bees and other pollinating insects, which put food on the table for people and animals. But in recent years, the insect population in the world has declined sharply. Humans use more and more of nature, and there is less space left for insects. That is why it is important to take care of the habitats that are left, says Astrid Bjerke Lund, communications officer at the Norwegian Beekeeping Association. One of these habitats could be your own garden – and there are a number of measures you can take to help the bees. – Don’t even want to think about it Astrid Bjerke Lund states that bees and pollinating insects are very important to us humans. DEPENDENT: Astrid Bjerke Lund says that the world’s food production is completely dependent on bees and other pollinating insects. Photo: Norwegian Beekeepers Association They pollinate fruit, berries and vegetables and help ensure that we have food on the table. It is estimated that they account for about a third of the world’s food production. – We are completely dependent on them. I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if they died out, says Bjerke Lund. She believes that everyone has a responsibility for the life they live, and that you should try to take care of the nature around you as best you can. Bjerke Lund also points out that if you help the insects, they will help you back – in your own garden. Facilitating the insects Beekeeper Alexander Du Rietz lives on a family farm in Gran municipality in Hadeland, where he practices traditional beekeeping. Du Rietz believes it is time for people to take action to help the little insects. – We humans need space, and are reducing natural areas to the benefit of roads, cities and industry. Over generations, it has become less for the animals to live on, he says. Du Rietz points out that people in Norway are very good at making arrangements for the insects, and that we have a lot of knowledge about it. Even so, there are several things that everyone can do in their own home to help the bees: Let the grass grow The beekeeper’s simplest tip to help bees and other pollinating insects is to do nothing: Let the garden grow and grow freely for several years. Then plants and flowers will grow which several species can live on. It is important not to cut down or remove what grows. If you feel that it will be too much to let the whole garden grow freely, the beekeeper recommends setting aside a small area on the lawn that you do not touch. – Then nature is allowed to take its course in that part of the lawn. WILD: The beekeeper says that the insects benefit from plants that grow naturally and wild in the garden. Photo: Ann-Kristin Mo / news Make a bee hotel Are you fond of DIY projects? Then you can try to make a bee hotel. Many insects live in nests, and a bee hotel facilitates the insects to settle down. – It is very easy to make, says beekeeper Du Rietz. All one needs to do is drill many holes of different sizes in a log, and hang it in a sunny place. You can also buy ready-made bee hotels at garden centers if you don’t want to make it yourself, says the beekeeper. HOTELS: Bees and other insects like to check into bee hotels where they can build their nests. Photo: Jannicke Susann Farstad / news Do you want to open a bee hotel? Yes, absolutely🐝 I’ve already done it!🌸 No, I don’t think so☘️ Show result Drop pesticides According to Alexander Du Rietz, one of the most important things you can do is to drop pesticides. If, for example, you spray against weeds, the insects can get this on them and take it into their nests. It can cause disease, and the insects become ill. – It goes without saying that if you get poison on yourself, it’s not good. POISON: Pesticides remove weeds, but act as poison for the insects. Photo: Colourbox Plant insect-friendly seeds The beekeeper advises people to acquire knowledge about which plants bees like, so that they can be sown in the garden. – My advice is to talk to the garden centers and ask for a bee-friendly seed mix, he says. According to Du Rietz, these plants have a lot of nectar, which provides stimulation to pollinating insects. In addition, he points out that there are often beautiful flowers that can decorate the garden or balcony. – I plant clover and honeysuckle. Those are the ones I think are by far the best, and they are nice blue flowers. NECTAR: Insect-friendly plants have a lot of nectar, and provide stimulation to pollinating insects. Photo: Jan Henrik Hansen Read up Alexander Du Rietz’s last tip to help the bees is to acquire more knowledge about them. He says that there are a number of books on how to take care of bees and insects, including several that are suitable for children. – It is particularly important for the younger generations to learn, but also the older ones, he says. Would you like to read up on insects? Check out these articles:
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Beekeeper Alexander Du Rietz in Hadeland has tips on how you can help the bees – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
