Phobias come in all shapes and sizes. Some are common, like being afraid of heights, snakes, or spiders. But others are so rare that most people don’t even understand them.
My phobia is bees. Actually, it’s anything that buzzes and can sting, but bees are definitely the biggest worry for me. Why, you ask? If I knew that, maybe I could figure out how to overcome my irrational fear.
As a child, my fear of bees was intense. I’m embarrassed to admit that if I had the power to snap my fingers and make all the bees disappear, I probably would have done it.
Looking back, I realize now how terrible that would have been. If I had really made bees go extinct, I would have put the whole human race in danger too.
Bees are incredibly important to our environment. The United Nations Environment Programme says that out of 100 crop varieties that provide 90% of the world’s food, 71 are pollinated by bees.
So, with this new understanding—and the fact that I didn’t grow up to be a complete monster—I’ve learned to respect bees a lot more. I might still run away flapping my arms if a bee lands on me, but I get how crucial they are.
Sadly, bees are in trouble. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, about 40% of bee species are at risk of disappearing forever.
Knowing this, it’s important for everyone to take simple steps to help the bees, especially in cities where they need our help the most.
David Attenborough, the famous biologist and conservationist, has a great tip: put a spoonful of sugary water in your backyard. It might not look like much, but this mix can actually help tired bees. If a bee looks like it’s about to die on the ground, it’s often because it doesn’t have enough energy to get back to its hive.
The solution is easy to make: mix two tablespoons of white sugar with one tablespoon of water, and put it near the bee. This can give it the boost it needs to get back home.
Want to do even more? You can! Planting flowers on your balcony or in your yard is another great way to help. Bees love flowers because they provide nectar, which they need. By adding more flowers, you support the local bee population and help the environment.
So, if you see your family putting out a spoonful of sugar, don’t laugh! Join in and place your own spoon outside. It’s a small act, but it makes a big difference in helping save the bees.