Support for Native Bees is Essential in North Texas

A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert emphasizes the significance of native bee pollinators, which are often mistaken for honeybees. Molly Keck, an entomologist in San Antonio, explains that native bees, which include various species like bumblebees, are not native to the Americas. Most bees have a fuzzy appearance, distinguishing them from the shiny, smooth look of wasps.

With over 200,000 pollinator species, including 4,000 bee species in the U.S., bees are vital for pollination, as 90% of flowering plants depend on them. While honeybees are crucial for agriculture, Keck notes that some native bee species are 17 times more effective as pollinators and excel in pollinating popular garden crops like tomatoes, blueberries, and pumpkins.