National Honey Bee Day - August 16th

Honey Bee

When you think about your lawn or garden, you might not immediately think about honey bees. But these tiny, buzzing workers play a bigger role in our environment than most people realize. Here along the Treasure Coast, honey bees are an essential part of keeping our landscapes, farms, and natural areas healthy.

Nature’s Master Pollinators

Honey bees are responsible for pollinating a large portion of the plants we depend on — not just wildflowers, but many fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. As they move from bloom to bloom collecting nectar, they carry pollen with them, allowing plants to reproduce. Without this process, we’d see a dramatic drop in plant diversity, fewer food crops, and a decline in the health of our local ecosystem.

Why They Matter to Your Lawn and Landscape

Even though honey bees don’t directly “work” on grass, they’re busy supporting the flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that make up the bigger picture of a healthy, balanced yard. When these plants thrive, they help create habitats for other beneficial insects and wildlife — adding to the natural beauty we enjoy here in Florida.

The Threats They Face

Unfortunately, honey bees face challenges from habitat loss, pests, diseases, and certain pesticides. Every year, colonies are lost because of these combined pressures. That’s why protecting them is so important — not only for our food supply, but also for the overall health of our environment.

How We Can Help Protect Them

It’s important to remember that honey bees are not pests to be eliminated. In fact, part of having a truly balanced, Florida-friendly landscape is allowing these pollinators to do their work without disturbance. If you ever encounter a large hive or swarm in your yard, the safest approach is to contact a local beekeeper or professional bee removal service that can relocate them without harm. Homeowners can also help by planting pollinator-friendly flowers, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals on blooms, and providing fresh water sources for bees.

A Healthy Yard and a Healthy Hive Go Hand in Hand

The more we protect honey bees, the more they can do their work — which in turn benefits our lawns, gardens, and food sources. We’re lucky to have these amazing little helpers buzzing around. Let’s do our part to keep them thriving for generations to come.