Pollinators in Trouble

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are in trouble. Around the world, their numbers are going down and that’s a big concern for people, plants, and animals alike. Here are some of the main challenges they face and what’s behind the decline.

• Habitat loss – Pollinators need natural spaces full of flowering plants, grasses, and shrubs to find food and shelter. Agriculture, development, and other human activities are changing these wild spaces that they need to survive.
• Invasive species are crowding them out – Not all plants are helpful to pollinators. When non-native species take over, they can push out the native plants that pollinators rely on. Even if non-native plants attract pollinators, they may not offer the right nutrituion or habitats that they need.
• Pesticides can harm pollinators – Pesticides are tools used to kill pest plants, insects, fungi, other pests. Even if they don't kill pollinators directly, these chemicals can impact the plants that pollnators depend on and leave behind harmful residue that can affect their health for generations.
• Climate change – Flowering plants may occur farther north or at higher elevations as a response to warming temperatures and may become out of sync with their pollinators. The types and distributions of pollinators may change; pollinators adapted to warmer temperatures may expand their northward range, displacing other pollinators.
• Parasites and diseases – Pollinators also face threats from pests and illnesses, especially honey bees. Key parasites and diseases affecting honey bees include Varrora mites, Hive Beetle, and Colony Collapse Disorder. Global trade and travel make it easier for parasites and diseases, too. And some non-native pests are infecting native species.

You can help!

Did you know that there are actions you can take to help pollinators? Everyone can play a role in ensuring that our environment, and the insects that work it, remain healthy.

• Get Involved: Find a list of ways to help pollinators.
• Help in Your Backyard: Even small changes in our own backyards can help pollinators survive and thrive.
• Planting for Pollinators: Learn more about how you can help pollinators from home and share what you learn with a friend!

Plant a pollinator garden

Helping in Your Backyard