Meet the Bees: Native Bees vs. Honeybees

Did you know that the U.S. is home to over 4,000 species of native bees? While honeybees are incredible agricultural workers, native bees like bumblebees, mason bees, and leafcutter bees play crucial roles in pollinating wildflowers and crops. Native bees often outperform honeybees for specific crops like tomatoes and blueberries!

• Key Points:
  • Honeybees are not native to North America, but they are vital for large-scale agriculture.
  • Native bees are better adapted to local plants and often require less intervention to thrive.
• How You Can Help: Create nesting habitats for native bees by building a bee hotel or planting native flowering plants.

Learn how to make a bee hotel with the Xerces Society Bee Hotel Guide.