More facts

* Pollination often starts when a bee visits a flower--for example, an apple blossom--to get sweet nectar and pollen for food. Some pollen from the flower usually sticks to the furry bee. When the bee visits another blossom, some of the pollen from the first flower may rub off inside the next flower. Each flower usually needs pollen from another flower of the same kind to grow a fruit. So without knowing it, the bee acts as a delivery service, transporting a valuable material!

* A long, long time ago, honey bees lived only in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. Then, in the 1600s, some were taken to North America. Now they live all over North America and help pollinate many kinds of crops, including cantaloupe, cucumbers, squashes, peaches, and apples. But too many honey bees have been dying from infections caused by tiny creatures called mites.

* Native bees have always lived in North America. (Native means they're in their natural home--they weren't brought from another place). In North America, there are at least 4000 species (kinds) of native bees, including bumble bees and carpenter bees. Native bees have had some problems too. Roads, houses, malls, and other kinds of construction have destroyed many of their natural homes. And poisons used for killing pests on crops have also killed native bees.

* Native bees do a better job of pollinating some crops, such as tomatoes and blueberries, than honey bees do. And you can help some native bees find homes near you. Turn the page to find out how.