How to Increase Native Bees

As seen first in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden newsletter. researchers at Oregon State University have made a chance discovery that might just increase the native bee population. During field observation native bees, including bumble bees, were drawn to the color blue. This went for blue flowers or inaminate objects. Honey bees were not attracted to any particular color. Researchers are now testing blue flags on a clothesline-like rope system in field crops.

So it may be possible to someday to hang blue flags to increase the native bee population to increase pollination in your gardens. For more information, go to www.nature.berkeley.edu/urbanhoneybees.