The Importance of Bees on Oahu and Why Nontoxic Treatments Should Be the Standard

Bees are more than just buzzing residents of our landscape. On Oahu, they are essential partners in food security, biodiversity, and the health of our ecosystems. Yet our island’s unique climate, flora, and agricultural practices make it critical to adopt bee-safe, non-toxic treatments to protect these invaluable pollinators.

Hawaii does not have a traditional "bee season" with a hibernation period because the climate allows for year-round beekeeping, honey production, and queen rearing. However, there are specific times for major honey harvests and increased activity. The two main honey harvests are in April and November, with the April harvest coming from blooms in December and the November harvest from blooms between May and October. The native Hawaiian yellow-faced bees also contribute to pollination year-round. 

Here’s why bees matter on Oahu and why nontoxic approaches should become the standard.

Why Bees Matter on Oahu

1. Pollination and Food Production

- Pollination is key for food crops. Many of Oahu’s fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals rely on bees for fruit set and quality.

- Local flavors depend on bees. Crops like fruiting trees, leafy greens, berries, and herbs benefit from effective pollination, contributing to a resilient, diverse local food system.

2. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

- Bees support plant diversity.By pollinating a wide range of native and non-native plants, bees help maintain habitat diversity for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

- Resilience through redundancy. A healthy pollinator population reduces the risk that a single crop or plant species could fail due to pests or environmental stressors.

3. Cultural and Economic Value

- Cultural significance. Beekeeping and pollinator health are part of Hawaii’s agrarian heritage and present-day farming practices.

- Economic impact. Local honey producers, farmers markets, and agro-tourism benefit when bees thrive and crops yield well.

4. Threats Specific to Oahu

- Pesticide exposure. Broad-spectrum pesticides can harm bees directly or disrupt their foraging and navigation.

- Habitat loss. Urban development and monoculture farming reduce forage diversity and nesting sites.

- Climate-related stress. Hawaii’s climate can intensify pest pressures and disease, making bee health even more critical.

- Introduced pests and diseases. Mites, pathogens, and invasive species threaten both managed and wild bee populations.

The Case for Nontoxic Treatments

1. Reducing Bee Mortality and Sublethal Effects

- Many conventional pesticides cause immediate bee deaths or sublethal effects that impair foraging, navigation, learning, and reproduction.

- Sublethal exposure can lead to weakened colonies, lower honey production, and reduced pollination services.

2. Protecting Pollination Services

- A thriving bee population translates directly into healthier gardens, farms, and ecosystems.

- By reducing chemical risk, we maintain robust pollination networks that support fruit set and biodiversity.

3. Environmental and Human Health Benefits

- Nontoxic approaches minimize runoff into waterways, protecting coral reefs, streams, and coastal ecosystems common around Oahu.

- They also reduce human health risks associated with pesticide exposure for farmworkers, residents, and visitors.

Practical Nontoxic Strategies for Oahu

A. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with Bee-Safe Choices

- Monitor first. Scout for pests and thresholds before taking action.

- Use targeted, less-toxic options. Choose baits, pheromone traps, or microbial pesticides that have minimal non-target impacts.

- Rotate modes of action. Prevent resistance while avoiding broad-spectrum products.

B. Cultural and Habitat Practices

- Diversify plantings. A variety of bloom times provides continuous foraging for bees.

- Create bee habitats. Plant native nectar plants (e.g., Ohia lehua, plumeria, lantana, native grasses) and provide undisturbed nesting sites where appropriate.

- Reduce lawn mowing during bloom. Allow flowering plants to set seed and provide forage.

C. Non-Toxic Treatments and Alternatives

- Botanical and essential oil products (with caution). Some work well when used as spot treatments and not as blanket applications; always follow label directions and avoid broad spraying during bloom.

- Biological controls when appropriate. Beneficial microbes or predatory insects can manage pests with minimal non-target risk.

- Physical controls. Traps, barriers, and manual removal can reduce pest pressure without chemicals.

- Soap and water where safe. In some cases, insecticidal soaps applied correctly can reduce pest numbers on specific targets without extensive non-target harm.

D. Responsible Herbicide Use

- If herbicides are necessary, select those with lower toxicity to bees and apply during periods when bees are not active (early morning or late evening) and away from flowering plants.

E. Collaboration and Education

- Work with local beekeepers, extension services, and environmental groups to tailor IPM plans for specific sites—homes, schools, farms, and parks on Oahu.

How Communities and Businesses Can Lead

- Policy and procurement: Support city and county programs that prioritize pollinator-friendly landscaping and non-toxic pest management.

- Education campaigns:Inform residents and workers about bee-friendly practices and the importance of avoiding unnecessary pesticide use during bloom periods.

- Certified bee-safe standards: Encourage or require bee-safe labeling and practices for pest control companies serving agricultural, residential, and public spaces.

- Support for beekeepers: Create spaces and resources for urban and rural beekeeping, boosting local honey production and pollination services.

A Call to Action for Oahu

- Choose non-toxic or targeted pest management methods as the default, especially in gardens, schools, and public spaces.

- Plant a diverse mix of native and culturally important flowering plants to provide continuous forage.

- Support local beekeepers and pollinator health initiatives through volunteering, purchasing local honey, and participating in citizen science projects.

- Advocate for research and extension services that focus on Hawaii-specific pest pressures and bee health.

Bees on Oahu are essential allies in maintaining our food supply, biodiversity, and cultural landscape. By embracing non-toxic, bee-friendly treatments as the standard, we safeguard these pollinators for future generations and ensure a more resilient island ecosystem.

At Aloha Tree Savers we use bee friendly treatments to save trees from death by coconut rhino beetles. Contact us today to save your trees and save the bees by using non-toxic, eco-friendly solutions that are safe for humans, pets and wildlife.