There are many phobias in the world. Some are common, like a fear of heights, snakes, or spiders. But there are also some rare ones that most people don’t even understand.
My phobia is bees. Actually, it’s anything that buzzes and can sting, but bees are what scare me the most. Why am I so afraid of them, you ask? I honestly don’t know. If I did, maybe I could figure out how to overcome this irrational fear.
When I was a child, my fear of bees was out of control. And I’m ashamed to admit that, back then, if I had the power to snap my fingers and get rid of bees forever, I probably would have done it.
But looking back now, with more maturity and knowledge, I realize that would have been a terrible idea. If I had somehow made all the bees disappear, I would’ve doomed the human race too.
Here’s why: Bees play an unbelievably important role in our world. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, out of the 100 crop varieties that make up 90% of the world’s food, 71 of them are pollinated by bees.
Knowing this – and the fact that I didn’t grow up to be some sort of heartless villain – I’ve developed a newfound respect for bees. Sure, I might still jump up and wave my arms wildly if a bee lands on me, but I understand how crucial they are.
Unfortunately, if you do a little research, you’ll find some sad facts about the struggles bees are facing today. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, about 40% of bee species are now at risk of extinction.
That’s why it’s more important than ever for people to take simple steps to help out bees, especially in urban areas where they need our support the most.
David Attenborough, the world-renowned biologist and conservationist, has a great suggestion: Put a spoonful of sugary water in your backyard. It might not seem like much, but this little mixture can actually revive exhausted bees. Sometimes, bees get so tired that they can’t make it back to their hive, and that’s where you can step in and help them.
Attenborough explains that if you find a bee lying on the ground, looking like it’s lifeless, it’s probably just too tired to keep flying. All you need to do is mix two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water, and place the solution near the bee. This will give it the energy boost it needs to fly back home.
But if you want to do even more to help bees, there’s plenty you can do. And it’s all super easy! For example, you can plant flowers on your balcony or dedicate a small area of your yard to wildflowers. Bees love these kinds of flowers because they provide nectar, which is a food source for them. By planting these, you’ll help support the local bee population, which in turn helps the ecosystem.
So, the next time you see your partner, kids, or friends putting out a spoonful of sugar in the yard, don’t laugh at them! In fact, you should grab your own spoon and join in. It’s a small act, but it can make a big difference in helping bees survive.
