A magazine focusing on family-related topics has released a fact sheet about bees for children to disperse false information and reduce their fears.
While an increasing number of people are aware of the essential role the various types of bees play in the environment, many are afraid of getting stung.
In their latest article penned for children, Familie.de journalist Kathleen Strobach explains: “Bees are useful animals. They act peacefully as long as you don’t upset them.”
But she also emphasised: “If they feel threatened because you have come too close to their hive or subterranean nest, they will defend these places.”
In her article aimed at fighting preconceptions, Kathleen said: “Bees are busy collectors of nectar. In spring, you see them moving from one blossom to the next.”
Tackling the hot-button issue of getting stung, she explained: “You will hardly feel any pain if a solitary bee stings you. Their stingers are rather weak. However, the situation is different when it comes to the stings of honeybees.
“It is painful and will cause swelling. Take your medication or see a doctor immediately if you are allergic to bee stings!”
Apart from information on the vital activity of bees and the risk of getting stung, the online magazine also offers tips on how to set up nesting aids.
And in her Amazing Bee Facts feature, writer Micky Moses informs: “Eighty per cent of all plants depend on the pollination by solitary bees and honeybees.
“Everyone knows honeybees. However, there are more than 560 solitary bee species in Germany. They are highly important too. More than two-thirds of solitary bees build their nests in the soil.”
In her story, Mickey eventually encouraged parents and their children to inform themselves about the various opportunities how to support local ecosystems on platforms such as ‘Deutschland summt!‘ (Germany is buzzing).
