Science Smarts: Bee habitats

By PATTY ROOKS on July 30, 2022.

I had someone in my household come home recently and say they are going to start beekeeping. Well, I thought this was interesting and commended them on wanting to try something new.

I do not think this is going to be an easy task, and if there is anyone out there willing to lend me some advice, I am willingly going to accept! In the meantime, I have been doing my research and came across an interesting habitat to make for bees. I thought this may be a good idea to start small and perhaps grow our “bee farm” into a larger operation. Let’s get started!

Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Empty soup can

• Masking or duct tape

• Paint brush

• Yellow paint

• String

• Nail

• Scissors

• Paper straws

Procedure

1. Place some duct tape over the sharp edge of the can so you do not cut yourself.

2. Paint the can yellow. We want it to be bright and vibrant in order to attract the honey bees.

3. Have an adult help you poke two holes in the side of the can in order to run some string through and hang your bee habitat up outside.

4. Make sure you tie the string tightly inside the holes of the can as you do not want it to fall down!

5. Pack straws into the can VERY tightly. You may have to cut them with scissors in order to make them fit.

6. Hang your bee habitat up (away from your house and where people may gather).

7. Observe.

What is going on?

Bees are essential insects in our ecosystem. Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen a steady decline in the bee population. If we no longer have honey bees, some crops we rely on for food may not be able to get pollinated and produce things such as fruits, vegetables or oils. Bees may be tiny, but they are a mighty force we often forget are essential for OUR survival as well. This is why it is extremely important to do all we can in order to ensure these insects maintain a healthy population.

By building a bee habitat you are providing a safe place for the bees to make a home in. Observe (from a safe distance) to learn about their patterns. Do they come “home” in the morning, evening? Were they able to make any honey in their new home? Why or why not? Do some research on bees and you will also discover just how interesting these tiny little insects are!

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact with Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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