There are countless phobias in the world—some are common, like the fear of heights, snakes, or spiders, while others are so rare that most people can’t even imagine what it feels like to have them.
For me, it’s bees. More accurately, it’s anything that buzzes and has the ability to sting, but bees have always been at the center of my fear. Why? I honestly wish I knew. Maybe then I’d have a chance at overcoming it.
As a child, my fear of bees was completely out of control. I’m embarrassed to admit it now, but if I’d had the power to snap my fingers and make every bee on earth disappear, I probably would have done it without hesitation.
Of course, looking back now—with more maturity and understanding—I realize how disastrous that would have been. Wiping out bees would have been like handing humanity its own extinction notice.
Bees, as it turns out, are essential to life as we know it. The United Nations Environment Programme reports that out of the 100 crop varieties that make up 90% of the world’s food supply, 71 depend on bees for pollination.
Knowing that, and thankfully growing up without turning into a villain, I’ve learned to respect these incredible creatures. I may still panic and flail my arms if one lands on me during a summer picnic, but deep down I know they’re doing far more good than harm.
Unfortunately, when you start digging into the facts, it’s heartbreaking to see how much trouble bees are in. The Center for Biological Diversity estimates that around 40% of bee species are now at risk of extinction.
That’s why it’s more important than ever for all of us to take small, simple actions to help them survive—especially in urban areas where bees often struggle to find food and energy.
Renowned biologist and conservationist David Attenborough has even shared one easy way to lend a hand: leave a spoonful of sugary water in your backyard. It might seem insignificant, but that tiny mixture can actually save an exhausted bee’s life by giving it the strength to keep flying when it’s too weak to make it back to its hive.
If you ever spot a bee lying still on the ground, don’t assume it’s dead. Often, it’s just too tired to move. Mixing two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water can give it the quick boost it needs to recover.
It’s a small gesture, but for that one bee—and for the planet—it can make all the difference.
Victoria Elizabeth Palmer
A quick bit of research reveals some troubling facts about the challenges bees are facing. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, nearly 40% of bee species are now at risk of extinction.
Knowing that, it’s important for everyone to understand the small but meaningful actions we can take to support bee populations—especially in urban areas.
Renowned biologist and conservationist David Attenborough recommends leaving a spoonful of sugary water in your garden or backyard. It might not look like much, but this simple mix can help revive tired bees, giving them the strength to fly again when they might otherwise die.
If you ever spot a bee lying motionless on the ground, it’s often not dead—it’s just too exhausted to make it back to its hive. To help, mix two tablespoons of white granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water and place it where the bee can reach it.
Ian Murdoch
Want to take things a step further? You absolutely can. These actions are simple but make a real difference. Planting flowers on your balcony or letting a section of your yard grow wild with native blooms can go a long way. The nectar from these flowers provides bees with vital food and, in turn, supports the health of the local ecosystem.