10 Ways to Support Local Bee Populations

1. Plant a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

One of the best ways to support local bees is by creating a bee-friendly garden. Bees rely on flowers for nectar and pollen, but urbanization and monoculture farming have drastically reduced their natural food sources.

To help, plant a variety of native, pesticide-free flowers that bloom at different times of the year. Some great options include:

• Lavender
  
• Sunflowers
  
• Coneflowers
  
• Wild bergamot
  
• Black-eyed Susans
  
  

Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still plant pollinator-friendly flowers in window boxes, patio pots, or community gardens.

2. Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides

Many commercial pesticides and herbicides contain neonicotinoids, a chemical that’s toxic to bees. These substances weaken bees’ immune systems, interfere with navigation, and even lead to colony collapse.

Instead of using chemical pesticides:

• Try natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soaps.
  
• Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to handle aphids.
  
• Use mulch to prevent weeds instead of chemical herbicides.
  
  

By keeping your garden chemical-free, you’re providing a safe space for bees to thrive.

3. Provide Fresh Water Sources

Bees need water just as much as nectar and pollen. During hot summer months, they often struggle to find reliable water sources. A simple way to help is by creating a bee watering station in your yard.



Fill a shallow dish with fresh water and place small rocks or floating corks inside so the bees can safely land and drink. Make sure to clean and refill the water regularly to keep it fresh and free of contaminants.

4. Support Local Beekeepers and Ethical Honey Brands

Buying raw, local honey directly supports the beekeepers who maintain healthy hives and contribute to pollinator conservation. Many commercial honey brands source honey from large-scale producers who use unsustainable beekeeping practices, such as overharvesting honey or feeding bees with sugar substitutes.

By choosing U.S.-sourced, raw honey from ethical beekeepers, you help ensure that bees are cared for properly and their colonies remain strong.

This is where Honey Helps makes an impact. Every time participants sell honey through a Honey Helps fundraiser, they’re directly supporting local ethical beekeepers and their hives. This means that when communities fundraise with honey, they’re not just raising money for their cause—they’re also playing a role in protecting bee populations.

5. Leave Some “Messy” Areas in Your Yard

Many native bee species, like bumblebees and solitary bees, nest in undisturbed soil, wood piles, and tall grasses. Unfortunately, overly manicured lawns leave them with no place to live.

If possible, allow a small area of your yard to remain “wild.” A patch of tall grass, a pile of leaves, or an old log can provide a safe nesting spot for bees and other pollinators.



If you have a garden, consider planting a bee-friendly hedgerow with native shrubs and trees. These natural areas provide both food and shelter, creating an ideal habitat for local bees.

6. Build a Bee Hotel

Not all bees live in hives—solitary bees, like mason bees and leafcutter bees, make up the majority of native bee species. These bees nest in hollow stems, dead wood, or small holes in the ground.

A fun way to support them is by building a bee hotel. You can buy a premade bee house or make one using:

• Bundled hollow bamboo sticks
  
• Drilled holes in untreated wood blocks
  
• Stacked logs with natural cracks
  
  

Place your bee hotel in a dry, sunny spot and watch as solitary bees move in.

7. Reduce Lawn Size and Plant More Flowers

Large, grassy lawns are essentially food deserts for pollinators. They require frequent mowing, use up water, and provide no nectar or pollen for bees.

Instead of a grass-heavy yard, consider:

• Replacing sections of your lawn with wildflowers or native plants
  
• Letting clover and dandelions grow, as they are important early-season food sources for bees
  
• Planting flowering ground covers like creeping thyme or chamomile
  
  

A more bee-friendly landscape not only benefits pollinators but also reduces maintenance and water usage.

8. Keep the Lights Low at Night

Artificial light pollution can disrupt nocturnal pollinators, including certain bee species that are active at dusk and dawn. Bright outdoor lights can confuse bees and interfere with their natural rhythms.

To minimize the impact:

• Use warm-colored LED bulbs instead of bright white or blue lights.
  
• Install motion sensors to keep lights off when not needed.
  
• Position outdoor lights away from flowering plants and bee hotels.
  
  

A darker, more natural environment allows bees to navigate, forage, and rest without interference.

9. Participate in Local Pollinator Conservation Programs

Many cities and organizations offer pollinator-friendly initiatives, from community gardens to “No Mow May” campaigns that encourage residents to let their grass and wildflowers grow during the spring.

Getting involved in these programs can amplify your impact. Some ways to participate include:

• Volunteering at local pollinator gardens
  
• Educating others about how to save the bees
  
• Encouraging your community to plant bee-friendly landscapes
  
  

If you’re part of an environmental conservation group, consider running a Honey Helps fundraiser. Not only does it help your organization raise money, but it also supports local beekeepers who play a critical role in maintaining healthy bee populations.

10. Spread the Word

One of the simplest but most powerful ways to help save the bees is through education and awareness. Many people don’t realize how important bees are or how easy it is to make small changes that benefit them.

Share information with friends, family, and your community. Whether through social media, word of mouth, or even hosting a bee-friendly workshop, spreading the word can inspire others to take action.

Encouraging people to buy local honey, plant pollinator-friendly gardens, and reduce pesticide use can create a ripple effect that benefits bees for generations to come.

Every Small Action Helps Save the Bees

Bees are essential to our ecosystems, but they need our help. Whether it’s planting flowers, avoiding pesticides, or supporting local beekeepers, every action—big or small—makes a difference.

Through initiatives like Honey Helps, communities can make an impact by fundraising with honey that directly supports ethical beekeepers and their hives. It’s a simple way to raise funds while helping protect local bee populations at the same time.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more about how fundraising with Honey Helps can support your cause and contribute to healthier bee populations.