9 Things You Can Stop Doing to Protect Bees on World Bee Day

Bees are the unsung heroes of our planet. They pollinate our fruits, veggies, and flowers, keep ecosystems thriving, and make life a whole lot sweeter (literally—thanks, honey!). But let’s be real: our modern habits aren’t always bee-friendly.

You don’t have to become a full-on beekeeper to make a real difference. Sometimes, helping pollinators is as simple as skipping the chemicals, letting a few weeds bloom, and welcoming a little wildness into your yard. This World Bee Day (May 20th), it’s time to hit pause on a few common habits that could be harming our buzzing friends. Here are 9 things you can stop doing to help bees thrive—right from your backyard.

Stop Using Chemical Pesticides

It might be tempting to wage war on weeds or bugs with a quick spray, but those chemicals are bad news for bees. Even “bee-friendly” labels can be misleading. Instead, opt for natural pest control (hello, neem oil and ladybugs!) or let your garden do its thing. A few nibbled leaves are worth it if it means bees stay safe.

Don’t mow So Often

Let it grow, let it grow! We can be a little generous with bees! Cutting your grass too frequently wipes out flowering weeds like clover and dandelions—aka free bee buffets. Letting your lawn grow a little wild gives bees more chances to refuel. Plus, it saves water and gives you more time to lounge in a hammock. Win-win.

Don’t Leaving Out Bee-Harming Water Sources

Bees get thirsty too, but not just any water will do. That leftover bucket of soapy car wash water or your dog’s chemical-treated kiddie pool? Total no-go zones for bees. Pesticide-laced puddles and open containers can be toxic, even deadly, to our pollinator pals. Instead, set up a bee-safe watering station: a shallow dish with fresh water and a few pebbles or marbles for landing spots. It’s like a tiny hydration bar for bees—and trust us, they’ll be grateful.

Don’t Buy Plants Treated with Neonicotinoids

Those vibrant plants from big-box garden centers might look tempting, but many are pre-treated with harmful pesticides like neonicotinoids (aka “neonics”). According to The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the presence of neonicotinoids in plants, although useful from a pest management standpoint, makes it possible for these chemicals to harm pollinators even when the initial application is made weeks before the bloom period.

Don’t Swat at Every Bee You See

Let’s clear something up: most bees aren’t out to get you. If you stay calm, they’ll usually just do their thing and move along. Constant swatting or panic not only stresses them out, but it also puts them at risk. Remember, bees sting as a last resort—and when they do, they die. So take a breath, give them space, and let them buzz in peace.

Don’t Buy Non-Organic Honey Without Asking Questions

It’s easy to grab the cheapest jar of honey on the shelf, but not all honey is created ethically—or bee-friendly. Some mass-produced honey is harvested in ways that stress out or even harm bees, and it can be mixed with additives, too. Support local, sustainable beekeepers who prioritize bee health over profit. Ask questions at the farmers market or look for certified organic labels with transparent practices.

Don’t Ignore Local Plants

Sure, exotic flowers are eye-catching, but for bees, native plants are where it’s at. Local plants have evolved alongside native pollinators, which means they offer the exact kind of nectar and pollen bees need to stay healthy. When you fill your garden with non-native species, bees can struggle to find food—even in a yard full of blooms. Native plants are also hardier, more drought-tolerant, and easier to maintain. So next time you’re plant shopping, think local—it’s better for the bees and your garden.

Don’t Forget About Bees in Winter

Just because the blooms are gone doesn’t mean bees are. Many species hibernate underground or in hollow stems, so fall cleanup can destroy their cozy hideouts. Skip the rake in some areas and leave stalks and leaf piles in place until spring. It might look a little messy, but to bees, it’s home.

Stop Thinking You Can’t Make a Difference

One of the biggest mistakes? Thinking you’re too small to help. Whether you’ve got a full-blown garden or just a sunny windowsill, every little bit counts. Plant a few pollinator-friendly flowers, skip the chemicals, and spread the word. Bee the change and the bees (and the planet) will thank you.

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