Honeybees are responsible for a third of the average human diet. Honeybees feed the world. Both Omnivores and herbivores feed off the plants that these bees pollinate. Carnivores feed off the omnivores and herbivores.
Honeybees are arguably just as important as the sun. Without the work these bees provide, our world today would not be as it is. Bees are a key part of nature.
Most people would consider bees a pest. However, they are at the center of human survival despite the fact that bees have the ability to cause humans physical reactions such as allergies and bee stings. Some people are plagued by a fear known as melissophobia or apiphobia — the fear of bee(s) and/or being stung by a bee.
Besides the importance of their pollination, bees are extremely curious creatures. Bees are interesting to learn about and raise many questions. Why do bees require a monarchy? Learning how bees make honey? And how do they have the ability to bypass physics? (Bees’ large bodies shouldn’t be able to be lifted by their small wings.)
Bee venom has been known to help heal “arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.”
Humans have been known to display a bit of apiphobia. And who can blame us? The very thought of being hurt in any way is something to avoid. Many people are extremely terrified of these helpful creatures. Whether it’s the chance of an allergic reaction or simple fear of the pain, we usually overreact at our tiny neighbors.
We fail to consider that bees use their stinger as a way of protection for their colonies. Every time a bee uses this survival tool, it results in death, while we walk away with minor pain on our hands or feet.
Yet, when we are fed off by mosquitoes, we might not even feel the bite. Later we notice red and itchy spots. We aren’t as widely scared of these creatures regardless of the fact that these creatures are the basis of our horror flicks. Something that feeds off the blood of humans for survival. Even mosquitoes can be allergens.
So, why is it we isolate a truly beautiful creature that is necessary for our existence? Why do we fear the very creatures that keep us alive?
Annie Blakeley is an eighth-grader at Hamlet Middle School, a band and chorus student and a member of First United Methodist Church in Hamlet.