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Save the Bumblebees
What You Can Do

Keep an eye out for declining species:

Some bumblebees have recently suffered dramatic declines and are becoming extremely hard to find. If you find a Franklin's or Rusty-Patched bumblebee, please contact me (scolla@yorku.ca) or the Xerces society (bumblebees@xerces.org)  Below are some resources to help you with your seach.

affinis2.jpg
Photo of the rusty patched bumble bee by Johanna James-Heinz (from www.xerces.org)

Xerces Society pocket guide for Bombus affinis (Rusty-patched bumblebee)identification

Xerces Society -Bumblebees in Decline

Also,

  • Use heirloom varieties, which tend to have more fragrance, pollen and nectar.  

  • Plant a variety of native flowering plants in your garden. Bees tend to prefer pink, purple, and yellow flowers and need food from early spring to late fall. See a great example of what to plant here:  http://nativeplants.msu.edu/pdf/E2973.pdf

  • Leave grass, hay and old logs to provide nesting habitat

  • Stay away from pesticides and insecticides

  • Support organic agriculture

  • Don't worry about removing colonies on your property unless it is in a high traffic area.