Native bees are pollinator powerhouses
Benefits of Native Bees
It is estimated that Texas is home to over 800 species of native bees. These include bumblebees, carpenter bees, mason bees, sweat bees, leaf cutter bees and mining bees to name a few. Our native bees are pollinator powerhouses! Researchers have estimated they are up to 300 times better pollinators than exotic European honey bees. Native bees visit more flowers per minute than honey bees and their body structure and behavior facilitate greater pollen transfer among flowers. Additionally, native solitary bees remain active under worse weather conditions than do honey bees. These advantages lead to higher levels of seed set and higher fruit and vegetable yields when native bees do the work.
However, being better pollinators isn’t the only benefit of native bees. They are also safer to have around schools and homes. Most of our native bees are solitary, which means they have no hive to defend. Therefore, the majority are quite docile, and many are stingless. Those that can sting, only do so under extreme duress, such as being pinched or caught between clothing and skin. In such a case, the sting of a solitary bee is less painful than a honeybee, and the venom is not known to contain allergens that cause an allergic reaction to insect venom known as anaphylaxis. This docile demeanor greatly minimizes risk and allows kids to closely observe their foraging and nesting behavior without fear.