Talking to Your Neighbors About Bee Health

When Bees Won't Nest

"Why aren't my bees nesting?" is one of the most common questions we receive from our bee raisers. 

Various factors could be at play in this scenario. Bees are wild animals, after all, and we can't (and shouldn't) expect them to nest in our bee house just because we'd like them to. However, it could very likely be due to the bees' sensitivity to pesticides and lawn treatments, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.

Even if you refrain from using chemicals in your yard and garden, they may still be present due to these treatments' highly mobile, accumulating nature. Unfortunately, this means even if we do everything right, the wind and rain may still carry pesticides and chemical scents into our yards from neighboring lawns and gardens.

Starting the Conversation

Talking to neighbors about chemicals can feel awkward, but it's so important! We've made printable info sheets you can share. Add your name when you drop it in their mailbox, so they know who to ask for more bee tips!

Getting others excited about helping bees creates positive change in your community. Your bees (and other native pollinators) will thank you! 

Bee Friendly Neighborhoods - Talking about Pesticides (printable PDF)

Nature's optimal nesting holes for bees to use typically deteriorate after use the following year. Old trees with holes here and there are a great example. Modern bee houses made by non-bee experts have multiple issues, foremost in that the nesting holes allow pests to build up year after year.

We believe spending money on native plants is better than using bee houses that harm bees. Watch Episode 5 of The Buzz on Bees podcast to learn about good and bad bee house designs! 

Most neighbors don't realize they're hurting bees. Once they know, they'll likely let you adopt their bees or replace their houses with better ones. We've created a handout for your neighbor (Hi Neighbor - Unhealthy Bee Houses) (printable PDF) with a QRC to this video. Print it and consider sharing it.