An Post Honeybees
Keeping bees reconnects us with nature - the seasons, the weather the flowers the trees - which all bees are so dependent on.
At An Post, we have two colonies of the dark honey bee on the roof of the GPO.
So why are bees so important?
Honeybees are pollinators. Beehives located in cities produce healthier and more productive bees as urban bees have access to greater biodiversity. Although the honeybees are not an endangered species, certain species of bumblebees and solitary bees are at risk.
What's all the buzz about
Bees polinate 80% of crops.
33% of the food we eat is pollinated by bees.
85% of plants exist because of bees.
We need to protect this BEE-utiful species. But what's harming them?
Lack of biodiversity means the bees dont't have food all year round. Different plants flower in different seasons so variety is important.
Pesticides when sprayed on plants harm the bees that come to them for food.
Climate change has caused a shify in the seasons with some bees only able to survive specific temperatures.
What can I do to help the BEE-utiful bees?
Embrace wildflowers (weeds), especially dandelions.
Mow the lawn less.
Use natural fertilizers instead of pesticides.
Grow bee friendly flowers, open cup flowers give the bees more access to food.
Support sustainable farming by purchasing locally produced food and organic honey.
Fun facts about bees
Bees beat their wings 200 times per second.
Bees have 5 eyes and 6 legs.
Bees do not sleep.
A bee's brain is as small as a sesame seed.
