Bees are attracted to a variety of things, including:
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Sugars: Bees are attracted to sweet fragrances and sugars, such as those found in nectar from flowers, sugary sodas, and fruits like pineapple and watermelon.
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Colors: Bees can see colors in the spectrum ranging from ultraviolet to orange and have been noticed to prefer blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow flowers. They also tend to be drawn to symmetry, so a combination of their preferred colors and symmetrical patterns could attract them.
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Nectar and pollen: Bees are attracted to nectar, which is loaded with sugars and is their main source of energy, and pollen, which provides a balanced diet of proteins and fats.
To attract bees to your garden, you can try the following:
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Plant bee-friendly plants: Plant flowers that attract bees, such as blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow blooms, and grow blossoms with different shapes to attract a variety of bee species. You can also plant wildflowers, natives, and garden flowers to provide a rich bounty of nectar and pollen.
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Avoid using pesticides: Most pesticides are not selective and can kill off beneficial bugs along with pests. If you must use a pesticide, start with the least toxic one and follow the label instructions to the letter.
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Provide water: Some experts say shallow pools will attract pollinators, especially if you’re in a dry climate or there hasnt been much morning dew on your grass. You can also provide some pebbles or rocks as “islands” in the dish so pollinators—especially small bees—won’t drown.
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Plant in groups: Bees will be attracted more to plants that are together in groupings rather than planted individually throughout a backyard. Plant flowers in clumps to make it an ideal garden for pollinators.
By following these tips, you can create a welcoming environment for bees in your garden and help support a global bee population that is in decline.
