Why are bees important?
Bees play an important role in food production. Most of the crops we eat are pollinated by bees, with nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefiting from bee pollination. (Wheen Bee Foundation)
Across Australia we have more than 1600 different native bee species, but you’ll only find a fraction of those living in the Wagga Wagga region.
Each species of bee has evolved alongside specific native plant species, and as we clear more land through urban development or for farming purposes, we are seeing less and less of them.
The best way to support any of our native wildlife is to do some research to understand how best to support them.
Types of bees in our region
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To learn more about bees here are some resources:
Websites:
Social Media:
Books:
- A Guide To Native Bees of Australia by Terry Houston
- Native bees of the ACT and NSW South Coast - A spotter’s guide by Peter Abbott
How can you help our bees
- Select plants for your garden that flower throughout the year
- Select plants that provide nesting materials for bees
- Insecticides will kill native bees as well as garden pests. Try to avoid using any insecticides in your garden
- Put a bee hotel in your garden for solitary bees to rest or live in
- Contribute to native bee surveys