Phobias come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some are pretty common, like being scared of heights, snakes, or spiders. But then there are the really unusual ones that leave most people scratching their heads.
My biggest fear? Bees. Well, actually, it’s anything that buzzes and can sting, but bees are definitely at the top of my list. Why am I so afraid? If I knew, maybe I could find a way to get over it.
As a child, my fear of bees was intense. I’m not proud of this, but if I had the power to snap my fingers and make all the bees disappear, I would have done it in a heartbeat.
Looking back with a bit more maturity, I realize how disastrous that would have been. If I had really managed to wipe out bees, it would have meant big trouble for everyone, not just me.
Bees are incredibly important to our planet. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 71 out of 100 crops that make up 90% of the world’s food are pollinated by bees. That’s a huge deal!
Knowing this, and understanding that I didn’t turn into a complete monster, I’ve come to respect bees a lot more. Sure, if a bee lands on me, I might still flail my arms and run away, but I get that they play a crucial role in our world.
Unfortunately, bees are facing serious problems. The Center for Biological Diversity reports that about 40% of bee species are at risk of going extinct. That’s really worrying.
So, it’s important for everyone to do what they can to help bees, especially in urban areas where they struggle the most.
David Attenborough, the famous biologist and conservationist, has a great tip for us: he suggests putting a spoonful of sugary water in your backyard. It might not seem like much, but this simple mixture can actually save tired bees. If you find a bee lying on the ground, it’s probably because it’s too exhausted to get back to its hive.
The recipe is easy: mix two tablespoons of white sugar with one tablespoon of water, and place it near the bee. This can give it the energy boost it needs to fly home.
Want to do even more? You can! It’s simple, but planting flowers on your balcony or in your yard can really help. Bees need nectar from flowers to survive. By adding more flowers, you’re giving them a crucial food source and supporting the ecosystem.
So, if you see someone in your family putting out a spoonful of sugar, don’t just watch—join in! Put your own spoon outside and do your part to help save the bees.
