How do bees help forests?

Photo by James Wainscoat

Forests are a treasure trove for bees, where they can easily forage from flowers, shrubs, and plants, as well as nest in tree cavities, dead branches, and even in the ground. In return, bees help keep the forest diverse and healthy by pollinating plants, which is important for the reproduction and growth of the whole forest.

Forest bees come in various shapes and sizes, each suited to a specific type of job. Bumblebees, with their long tongues, can reach nectar in deep, trumpet-shaped flowers, while smaller sweat bees gather pollen from open blooms. With such a variety of types of bees, a wider range of plants, from tall trees to delicate wildflowers, can reproduce their seeds.

Did you know that some plants can only be pollinated by a specific insect? For example, the female orchid bee is the only insect that can pollinate the Brazil nut tree. It’s the only bee in the area that has a tongue long enough to reach the nectar. If these bees suddenly disappeared, there wouldn’t be any more Brazil nuts.

Bees and other pollinators, like wasps and hornets, also help improve the soil. When we think about where bees live, we often imagine a honey bee’s hive, but about 90% of bee species nest right in the ground. They dig tiny holes and tunnels, which help air and water flow through the soil better.

When bees pollinate plants, they help produce fruits and seeds that feed birds, mammals, and other insects. Thanks to these little pollinators, forests can be more diverse, which helps build a complex and strong food web.

So, the next time you see a bee buzzing around, remember that they’re not just doing their job—they’re also helping to keep the whole forest ecosystem healthy. Pretty cool for such tiny creatures, right?