Bees play an essential role in ecosystems, being the main pollinators of plants that guarantee biodiversity and food production.
In beekeeping, understanding and respecting the natural cycle of the bees is fundamental not only for the health of the hives, but also for the long-term sustainability of the beekeeping activity itself.
This article explores the importance of respecting the life cycle of bees and how this impacts both the environment and the quality of bee products.
BEE CYCLE
Bees have a well-defined life cycle, which involves different stages: eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. Respecting this cycle means adjusting beekeeping practices so as not to interrupt or jeopardise the bees' natural development.
For example, during the winter, bees enter a period of reduced activity to conserve energy and resources. Interfering at this time could weaken the hive and jeopardise its survival.
When beekeepers respect the natural cycle of bees, they ensure healthy hives, which directly benefits pollination. Pollination is crucial for the reproduction of many plants, including those that form the basis of human nutrition, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals.
On the other hand, excessive pressure on bees, whether through inadequate exploitation or out-of-season manipulations, can weaken the hive, reducing its pollination capacity and consequently affecting the balance of ecosystems.
Respecting the bee cycle is essential to guarantee the health of the hives, the quality of bee products and the preservation of ecosystems. Sustainable beekeeping practices that value the natural rhythm of bees not only benefit beekeepers, but also society as a whole, which depends directly on the tireless work of these small insects.
By prioritising harmony with nature, we are guaranteeing a more balanced and healthy future for everyone.