World Bee Day

World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20 each year. Bees are some of the most important creatures on Earth. They help plants grow by carrying pollen from flower to flower. Without bees, many of the foods we love would not exist.

Why Bees Are Important

Bees pollinate about one-third of the food we eat, including apples, almonds, and strawberries. When a bee visits a flower, pollen sticks to its body. It carries that pollen to the next flower, helping the plant make seeds and fruit. Bees also make honey, which people have enjoyed for thousands of years. Sadly, bee populations are shrinking due to pesticides and habitat loss.

How to Help Bees

You can help bees by planting flowers in your garden or on your balcony. Bees love lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers. Avoid using chemicals that can harm bees on your plants. You can also put out a small dish of water for thirsty bees. Learning about bees and telling others about their importance helps too.

Fun Facts

• A single bee can visit up to 5,000 flowers in one day.
• Bees do a special wiggle dance to tell other bees where to find food.
• It takes about 60,000 bees to make just one pound of honey.

Did You Know?

May 20 was chosen for World Bee Day because it is the birthday of Anton Jansa, a pioneer of modern beekeeping who lived in the 1700s.