Mar 27, 2025 | Wildlife
Bees are some of Georgia’s most essential pollinators, yet they face increasing threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. For homeowners looking to cultivate beautiful and eco-friendly gardens, planting bee-friendly plants can provide a non-toxic environment for these critical pollinators, all while enhancing the vibrancy of backyard spaces.
This blog explores the best bee-friendly plants for Georgia gardens, including native flowers, beneficial herbs, and flowering trees and shrubs. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green-thumb journey, these plant recommendations will help you create an inviting habitat that supports pollinator health.
Recommendations: Bee-Friendly Plants
Why Plant a Bee-Friendly Garden?
Before we dig into plant recommendations, it’s important to highlight why bee-friendly gardens matter:
- Pollination Power: Bees are responsible for pollinating over 75% of flowering plants and nearly 35% of the food crops we eat.
- Supporting Biodiversity: Planting for bees cultivates ecosystems that support a variety of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
- Healthy Landscapes: Bee-friendly gardens eliminate the need for harsh pesticides, creating healthier spaces for homeowners and pets.
By including the right plants, you enable bees to thrive while also enjoying a more stunning, productive backyard. Now, let’s explore the best options for your Georgia garden.
Native Flowers for Pollinators
Georgia’s climate is rich in biodiversity, making it an ideal environment for native flowers. These plants naturally thrive in the region’s soil and climate while offering crucial resources to native bees.
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple Coneflower is a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike. With its daisy-like petals and vibrant purple hue, this perennial attracts numerous bee species, including bumblebees and carpenter bees. It’s hardy, drought-resistant, and blooms throughout summer, providing lasting nourishment.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Period: Summer to early fall
- Benefit: Supports both honeybees and native bees
2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Known for its golden-yellow petals and dark centers, Black-Eyed Susan is a pollinator magnet. These vibrant flowers not only attract bees but also support butterflies and songbirds.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Bloom Period: Summer to early fall
- Benefit: Easy to grow and resilient in Georgia’s warm climate
3. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis, often called “tickseed,” is a cheerful perennial that thrives in Georgia gardens. Bees love their bright yellow flowers, which bloom prolifically when exposed to full sunlight.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Bloom Period: Spring through fall
- Benefit: Long-lasting blooms and minimal maintenance
4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender serves a dual purpose in gardens, offering a soothing fragrance to humans and a rich source of nectar to bees. Its tall, purple flowering spikes are irresistible to a variety of pollinators.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer
- Benefit: Deters pests while attracting bees
5. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
While most people grow basil for its culinary uses, it’s also a bee-loving herb if allowed to flower. Its small clusters of white or purple blooms provide nutrients for pollinators throughout the season.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Bloom Period: Summer
- Benefit: Combines garden aesthetics with kitchen utility
6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary’s evergreen foliage and tiny blue blooms make it a favorite in Georgia gardens—both for pollinators and gardeners. Its flowers can appear even in winter, providing much-needed nectar during colder months.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Bloom Period: Winter to late spring
- Benefit: Thrives in Georgia’s well-draining soils
Flowering Trees and Shrubs for Pollinators
Flowering trees and shrubs create a stunning visual centerpiece in your yard while offering significant benefits for pollinators. These larger plants serve as vital food sources and shelter for bees in your region.
1. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
One of Georgia’s most beloved native trees, the Redbud graces gardens with its vibrant pink blossoms in early spring. Its flowers are among the first food sources for bees after winter hibernation.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Period: Early spring
- Benefit: A crucial pollinator food source after winter
2. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
The Tulip Poplar, often referred to as the “bee tree,” features distinct yellow-green flowers that are highly attractive to bees. This towering tree is a staple for pollinators looking for abundant nectar.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Bloom Period: Late spring
- Benefit: Provides large amounts of nectar for honeybees
3. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Nothing captures the beauty of Southern gardens quite like the Southern Magnolia. Its large, fragrant white blossoms are not only a visual feast but also a rich nectar source for native pollinators.
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Period: Spring and summer
- Benefit: Supports bees while adding elegance to your landscape
Tips for Maintaining a Bee-Friendly Garden
After selecting the right plants, the following tips will ensure your Georgia garden remains a bustling bee haven:
- Avoid pesticides and herbicides, as these chemicals can harm bees and other beneficial insects.
- Incorporate a mix of plants that bloom at different times to provide year-round nectar.
- Include shallow water sources like birdbaths or dishes filled with water and pebbles for hydration.
- Allow some plants, like herbs, to flower to attract pollinators.
By implementing these practices, you’ll create not just a beautiful garden, but a thriving ecosystem that supports pollinators in the Georgia region.
Create Your Bee-Friendly Oasis
Bee-friendly gardening is more than just a trend—it’s an investment in the environment and the future of pollinators. By planting native flowers, herbs, and flowering trees and shrubs, you’re building a sanctuary for bees while enjoying vibrant blooms, fragrant herbs, and a healthier landscape.
If a beehive has ended up in an unwanted place on your property, our honeybee experts are here to help! Contact our team for eco-friendly pest control solutions to protect both your home and these essential pollinators.
Jun 20, 2024 | DIY Pest Control, Florida Pest Control
Living in Florida can come with great perks – gorgeous beaches, vast landscapes, and a warm, tropical climate to enjoy practically year-round, though this climate also invites some unwelcome guests: stinging pests. From wasps to fire ants, these pests can turn your outdoor fun into worry. In this blog, we breakdown your guide to common stinging pests and how to keep them at bay!
Identify Common Stinging Pests
- Wasps: Wasps, such as paper wasps and yellow jackets, can be aggressive, with their sting being extremely painful. They’ll often build their nests in eaves, attics, and other sheltered areas.
- Bees: While beneficial to the environment, these pests can still become a nuisance if they nest near or inside your home. While honeybees are less aggressive, carpenter bees are known to destroy the structural integrity of structures!
- Fire Ants: These small ants pack a painful sting! Fire ants can be aggressive, and their stings are known to cause severe allergic reactions to some.
Tips to Prevent Stinging Pests
Maintain Your Yard
Keep your lawn trimmed and free of debris. Stinging insects will often nest in overgrown areas throughout your property. Additionally, trim back trees and bushes, and remove piles of leaves or wood. Place any stored lumber 20 feet from your home and raise it off the ground.
Secure Your Trashcans
Wasps and other pests are attracted to food waste, so it’s crucial to dispose of it properly. Make sure your trash bins are sealed tightly and clean them regularly to prevent odors that attract pests. Wasps love the sugary liquids that are left behind in soda cans, so make sure your recycling bins are secure and clean too.
Inspect & Repair
Inspect your home for any openings where pests could enter. Repair screens and doors, and seal gaps around pipes and cables with steel wool or caulk, depending on the size.
Call a Professional
Controlling stinging pests on your own can be very risky and it’s always best to deal with these pests by calling a Naples pest control company near you. These pest control professionals are trained to know how to handle and remove these pests safely.
Jun 29, 2023 | Pest Control
While most people associate summer with warmer weather and more time spent outdoors, it also marks peak season for many Georgia pests. Here are 5 of the most common summer pests in Georgia and how to prevent them.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito season peaks in summer (peak months are June to September) with activity at hits highest. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. These pests transmit serious diseases to both humans and pets. They also breed in standing water found around your home. You can get rid of mosquitoes this summer by:
- Getting rid of any standing water around your home.
- Wearing mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors.
- Avoiding any outdoor activities at dawn and dusk.
Ticks
Ticks are active from late spring to early fall. These summer pests are known to transmit serious disease to humans and pets. They are commonly found wooded areas and areas with tall grass. Avoid ticks this summer by:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants.
- Checking for ticks after any time spent outdoors.
- Routinely checking your pets for ticks.
- Using vet approved tick preventatives on your pets.
Spiders
Spiders are common in summer as they are often driven from their hiding places by the warmer temperatures (e.g. your attic). While spiders are beneficial to have around as they eat other common pests found in your home, they can be a nuisance. Keep spiders at bay this summer by:
- Sealing around pipes and under doors.
- Using a dehumidifier to keep moisture out.
- Decluttering your home.
- Sweeping cobwebs down as soon as they appear.
Ants
Ants emerge in the summer in search of food (particularly sweets and grease) that they take back to their colonies. This is why they are often found in kitchens. You can prevent ants by:
- Getting rid of debris around foundations.
- Keeping your kitchen clean and crumb free, especially counters and appliances.
- Storing food in sealed containers.
- Trimming branches back from the exterior walls and roof of your home.
Stinging Pests
Stinging pests, such as wasps, hornets, bees, and yellow jackets, are prominent in the summer months. These pests will often forage for food during the warmer weather. Avoid stinging pests by:
- Covering food and drinks when outdoors.
- Avoiding sweet or flowery smelling perfumes.
- Repairing holes in decking, siding, and screens to eliminate nesting spots.
- Maintaining routine lawn care.
Don’t let summer pests ruin your time outdoors. Contact your local pest control company today for a free evaluation.
Jun 13, 2023 | Pest Control
Summer is a season that brings with it many joys, such as longer days and warmer weather. Unfortunately, it also brings a variety of pests that can invade your home and make life unpleasant. Let’s discover some common summer pests and share tips for preventing them.
Ants
Ants are one of the most common pests found in homes during the summer months. They are attracted to sweet, sticky substances and can quickly become a nuisance if they find a food source in your home.
How to Prevent Ants:
- Keep your kitchen and dining areas clean and free of crumbs and spills.
- Seal all food containers and take out the garbage regularly.
- Locate their entry point and seal it off.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are another common summer pest that can be a serious health concern. They can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them.
How to Prevent Mosquitoes:
- Remove standing water from around your home, as this is where mosquitoes breed.
- Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
Ticks
Ticks are small, blood-sucking pests that can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are often found in wooded areas but can also be found in your yard if you have tall grass or brush.
How to Prevent Ticks:
- Continue to mow your lawn and remove any debris or leaf litter where ticks might hide.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent when spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are prevalent.
Bees and Wasps
Bees and wasps are important pollinators, but they can also be a nuisance and a health concern.
How to Prevent Bees and Wasps:
To prevent bees and wasps, keep your trash cans sealed and dispose of food scraps properly. If you have a nest on your property, call a professional to remove it rather than attempting to do it yourself.
Spiders
Spiders are often found in dark, damp places like basements and crawl spaces. They can be beneficial by eating other pests, but some species can be dangerous if they bite.
How to Prevent Spiders:
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and doors to keep spiders from entering.
If you have a pest problem that you can’t control on your own, contact your local professional pest control company for a customized summer pest prevention plan!
Jun 6, 2023 | Pest Control
When it comes to stinging pests, there are a few common culprits that people encounter: wasps, hornets, and bees. While these insects may look similar, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding the differences between them and knowing what to do if you encounter one can help you stay safe.
Wasps
Wasps are slender, black, and yellow insects with smooth bodies and narrow waists. They are social insects that live in large nests with multiple females. While they are not typically aggressive, they will defend their nests if they feel threatened. Some species of wasps, like yellow jackets, can sting multiple times and their stings can be painful and potentially dangerous for those with allergies.
Hornets
Hornets are larger than wasps and are usually black with yellow or white markings. They have a distinctive, round body shape and are known for their powerful sting. Like wasps, hornets are social insects that live in large nests. They can be aggressive if they feel their nest is being threatened, and their sting can be particularly painful.
Bees
Bees are typically plumper and fuzzier than wasps and hornets and are usually brown or black with yellow markings. Unlike wasps and hornets, bees are not naturally aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened. Bees are important pollinators and play a vital role in our ecosystem.
What do I do if I encounter a stinging pest?
If you encounter a stinging insect, it’s important to stay calm and avoid swatting or provoking it. If you are near a nest, move away slowly and quietly. If you are stung, remove the stinger by scraping it with a flat object like a credit card, wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
How to Prevent Stings:
- Avoid wearing perfume or bright colors
- Keep food and drinks covered when eating outdoors
- Do not swat at a stinging insect as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction
- Do not attempt to remove a colony or hive by yourself
If you have a severe allergic reaction to a sting, seek medical attention immediately.
By understanding their behaviors and taking precautions to avoid them, we can coexist safely. If you have a problem with a nest or infestation, it is best to call your local professional pest control company for safe removal.
