What are original pollinators?
These are species of pollinator that occur naturally in an area as opposed to through importation. It may surprise you to learn that honeybees are not original pollinators in Canada. They were brought over from Europe to boost crop yields.
There are over 970 different original pollinator bee species, including mason bees, digger bees, and sweat bees. The most agriculturally important of which is bumblebees, and they don't eat dandelions. Dandelions are essentially the bee equivalent of eating nothing but donuts. Other original pollinators include hummingbirds and other small bird species. as well as butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and the occasional chipmunk or squirrel (accidental pollinators).
Where do they live?
Original pollinator species of bee tend to live in burrows or cavities. Burrowing bees can live in mud, leaves, or wood. Bees that hive in cavities can be found in any previously used/open space like an abandoned bird nest, or holes in rock formations. An effective deterrent to them forming nests where you don't want is to spray the area down several times per season with 7%-10% acetic acid.
What do they eat?
Original pollinators eat nectar from local species of flowers. These can include Goldenrod, Lupines, and Black-eyed Susan, among others. Check out the sources for more ideas. It is generally to plant a wide variety of shallow and deep plants with myriad colors.
Does Not Mowing My Lawn Help?
The short answer is no. Dandelions, as previously stated, are essentially junk food to most pollinators. They are also prolific weeds which will take over everything if given the chance. Not mowing is about as wise and useful as planting peppermint in the ground. It's more harm than good. If you really want to support honeybees put out pots of plants that they eat, nipping the buds off before they go to seed so they don't spread.
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