AIR BEE & BEE

Photo by Evan Schlarb

How to make your yard welcoming for these essential pollinators
 

Did you know Ohio is home to approximately 500 native bee species? These incredible pollinators are crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and their recent decline, due to habitat loss, pathogens and pesticide use, is cause for alarm. You can help by encouraging pollinators to thrive, right in your own backyard.

“Making your backyard garden an inviting place for native pollinators is easy, cost effective and fun,” says Steve Berk, COO for Edible Columbus. Learn how to make your own backyard a pollinator motel following a few simple steps.

BE A HOSPITABLE HOST
 

Plant native flowers, shrubs and flowering trees, use pesticides sparingly (if at all) and allow some weeds to grow. Most plants, even those we consider weeds, actually play a vital role in a healthy ecosystem. If you’d like to learn more about planting native flora, your local Soil and Water Conservation District (ofswcd.org) and OSU Extension (extension.osu.edu/lao) are great resources.

GIVE 'EM SHELTER
 

Native pollinators, such as Masson bees, make their homes in cavities and will gladly occupy a hole drilled into old wood. While many commercial pollinator hotels exist, a little bit of elbow grease can produce a one-of-a-kind accessory for your garden.

• Step 1: Any type of container, vegetable basket or old planting pot can serve as the framework for your hotel.
• Step 2: Cut old scraps of firewood or branches and arrange so that they all fit snugly in the container. Many native pollinators prefer softwoods over harder varieties such as walnut, oak or sugar maple.
• Step 3: Create ready-made cavities by drilling holes four to six inches deep using both ¼-inch and 3∕8 -inch drill bits. Space openings evenly.
• Step 4: The best part of a DIY project is that you can make your hotel as ornate as you like. Place it on top of stones, bricks or wood blocks to avoid moisture soaking through the bottom.

Native pollinators are gentle and make great backyard guests.

Photo by Devin Trout

TREAT 'EM TO A DRINK
 

Providing a reliable water source in your garden is also a great way to attract pollinators. Water sources help provide vital nutrients and minerals and only require a few items you probably already have on hand.

• Step 1; In a shallow dish, bowl or pan, place an assortment of rocks that will serve as landing spots for native pollinators.
• Step 2: Fill with water, leaving the tops of the rocks exposed. Don’t worry if the water is muddy or has sediment in it; the bees will gladly use the mud to help build and fortify their homes.
• Step 3: Use larger rocks and any type of netting or chicken wire to create a dome over the top of your water source. Native pollinators are vulnerable to predation while drinking and carrying mud back to their homes, so a secure netting will offer a brief respite from hungry birds.
• Step 4: Place the water source on the ground in a shaded area, to prevent water from evaporating quickly, and refill periodically as you notice the water level getting low throughout the summer.