The Native Bee Crisis No One Talks About

Honeybees dominate the conversation about pollinators—but they were never the species closest to extinction. In this episode, I examine how the expansion of managed honeybee hives has unintentionally displaced native pollinators, such as bumblebees and mason bees, thereby spreading disease and reducing biodiversity.

I examine the evidence behind the decline of native bees, identify which species are most at risk, and outline practical steps that homeowners and communities can take to restore balance. From planting native species with staggered bloom periods to restoring habitat and managing hives responsibly, real conservation begins with understanding the difference between supporting pollinators and unintentionally harming them.