Bees are one of the most important pollinators in our ecosystem. They are responsible for pollinating approximately 80% of our flowering crops like tomatoes. Regrettably, bee populations are rapidly declining largely from the use of pesticides, the destruction of natural habitat, diseases, and the unintended introduction of non-native bee species.
Melittologists, experts in the area of bee conservation, believe that the use of herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals are responsible for a major portion of the decline in bee populations. Scientific studies have revealed that these man-made chemicals destroy a bee’s nervous system, making it difficult for them to navigate and communicate with other bees. To make matters worse, as the bee’s nervous system collapses, weakening their immune system making them more susceptible to diseases, like Varroosis or American Foulbrood, for example.
The destruction of habitat reduces bee population by anther 10%. The health of a bee colony depends on the availability to many types of flowers. People who study bees have determined that a single bee foraging for 5 hours needs to collect pollen from 30 different types of flowers that day to maintain the health of the bee colony. The single variety plantings that line city streets and populate yards and gardens are simply no replacement.
The introduction of non-native bee species has had unintended consequences to native species like the honeybee. Bees like the Africanized honeybee are extremely aggressive and out compete native honeybees for territory and resources and are nowhere near as good as native honeybees at pollination. Alarmingly, one you introduce a foreign species into a virgin environment, there is no way to put the genie back in the bottle. Scientists predict that non-native bee species will replace the native honeybee in 30 years.
We lose 1% of the native bee population each year due to disease outbreaks within the hive. Varroa is one of the worst, feeding on the blood of bees, eventual killing them and every bee they come into contact with. Varroa can wipe out a hive in just 3 weeks. Chaulkbrood is also becoming more common, particuarily in rental hives. Chaulkbrood turns larvae into chalk-like mummies instead of healthy pupae.
The declining bee populations have significant consequences for our environment and our food supply. Without bees, plants would simply not be pollinated, leading to reduced crop yields and potentially even crop failure. Many scientists worry that we are witnessing an extinction event as the phenomena of colony collapse accelerates. Worried farmers are turning to alternative pollination methods, such as mobile pollinating farms or even hand-pollination, to pollinate plants.
Einstein one famously said, If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live. Although this may not be entirely factual, it would significantly reduce the planet’s food supply. Today’s scientists worry that we are witnessing an extinction event that no one is prepared for. Both gardeners and farmers alike, are worried about the future of their farms and gardens. Efforts are underway, to replace bees with solar powered robotic pollinators.
To Bee Or Not To Bee - Article Posted May 7, 2023
