Honeybees aren't the issue, they are doing fine. It's the wild bee populations which are disappearing and standard hives don't help them unfortunately. I have no idea whether Morgan Freeman's ranch also provides habitats for wild bees, but it's important for people to understand that beehives aren't the solution for the declining bee population.
Edit. Several people have asked what you actually can do to help wild bees.
Plant native flowering plants and trees in your gardens and/or your balconies. You can look up the types of wild bees native to your area and which plants they need or prefer.
Build or buy a bee house. Just Google it, there are many varieties. However, try not to use the ones with hollow reeds, since those reeds are often cracked, which can lead to mold or parasites getting into the sealed nest. A better solution are wooden pipes, hollow bamboo or a wooden block with a variety of drilled holes in different sizes (some bees are super small and need tiny holes).
Most wild bee species actually build their nests under ground. Therefore, it's also helpful to leave a patch of barren soil in the backyard. Clay- or sand-rich soil is best and it should have some decent sun exposure, so the soil is hard enough for the bees to dig a stable tunnel into it.
If in any way possible, don't use insecticides in your garden.
Drunk-Sail0r82 on March 28th, 2021 at 18:47 UTC »
Morgan Freeman could narrate someone taking a dump, and I would still listen intently.
IamWayTooThick on March 28th, 2021 at 18:54 UTC »
Morgan Beeman
ViciousNakedMoleRat on March 28th, 2021 at 19:20 UTC »
Honeybees aren't the issue, they are doing fine. It's the wild bee populations which are disappearing and standard hives don't help them unfortunately. I have no idea whether Morgan Freeman's ranch also provides habitats for wild bees, but it's important for people to understand that beehives aren't the solution for the declining bee population.
Edit. Several people have asked what you actually can do to help wild bees.
Plant native flowering plants and trees in your gardens and/or your balconies. You can look up the types of wild bees native to your area and which plants they need or prefer.
Build or buy a bee house. Just Google it, there are many varieties. However, try not to use the ones with hollow reeds, since those reeds are often cracked, which can lead to mold or parasites getting into the sealed nest. A better solution are wooden pipes, hollow bamboo or a wooden block with a variety of drilled holes in different sizes (some bees are super small and need tiny holes).
Most wild bee species actually build their nests under ground. Therefore, it's also helpful to leave a patch of barren soil in the backyard. Clay- or sand-rich soil is best and it should have some decent sun exposure, so the soil is hard enough for the bees to dig a stable tunnel into it.
If in any way possible, don't use insecticides in your garden.