Recent news reports have said that more than 25% of the U.S. honey bee population has disappeared over the last few winters. The effects of this can be felt in many areas, including the growth of many nut, fruits and berry crops – important produce for farmers and food manufacturers alike.
Why Are Honey Bees Important?
Many U.S. crops depend on honey bees for pollination. As the honey bees gather pollen and nectar for their own survival, they pollinate crops such as apples, cranberries, melons and broccoli. Some crops, including blueberries and cherries, are 90 percent dependent on honey bee pollination and one crop in particular – almonds -- depends entirely on the honey bee for pollination at bloom time.
What’s Causing the Decline in Population?
Researchers say that the decline in the bee population can be traced back to the following.
- Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). More than 35 states across the continental United States and in two provinces in Canada, Belgium, and Spain have reported this condition. CCD is thought to have claimed the lives of billions of honeybees around the world.
- Varroa Mitesh. Accidentally introduced into the United States in 1987, these tiny brown parasites feed exclusively on honey bees.
- Viruses. Israeli AcuParalysis Virus (IAPV) has been linked with CCD.
- Chemical Exposure. Tests on pollen in CCD-affected hives show levels of 45 different types of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides.
- Lack of Nutrition. A limited supply of good pollen and nectar (due to drought) has had an effect on the decline of the honey bee population.
What Can I Do?
There are several things that home gardeners and concerned citizens can do to help the honey bee population. First, create a bee-friendly garden with plants that are attractive to honey bees. These include lavender, jasmine, rosemary, violets, thyme, blue bells, wisteria, cone flowers and sunflowers – common (and in some cases, local and native) perennials and herbs that can be grown easily and with little maintenance. The plants will also add beauty and diversity to your garden.
Another way to help support the bee population and bee industry is to purchase local honey and hive products such as beeswax candles from your neighborhood bee keeper or through your local farmers’ market. To locate a bee keeper in your area, see the National Honey Board’s Honey Locator.
Häagen-Dazs is offering a variety of ice cream from which profits will fund research to save the bees, as part of its Häagen-Dazs loves Honeybees™ campaign. A portion of the proceeds from each pint of Vanilla Honey Bee flavor sold will fund honey bee research at the University of California - Davis and Pennsylvania State University in an effort to preserve these heroes and their hard work.
Burt’s Bees is now donating 5% of the proceeds from sales of its special edition Beeswax Lip Balm to support Colony Collapse Disorder research.
The Natural Resources Defense Council also suggests that pesticides may be a contributing factor to CCD, according to researchers. There are many natural ways to control pests in your garden. What’s more, some insecticides are harmful to bees and can actually wipe out the flowers that provide bees with food. If you must use pesticides on your property, use targeted pesticides and spray only at night -- when bees aren't active -- on dry and calm days.
The NRDC also advocates building your own bee hive. Building a wood nest for bees is a good introduction to making your property more bee friendly, and a great, easy craft project. In addition, wood-nesting bees don’t sting. Simply take a block of wood that has not been pressure treated and drill 3/32 inch to 5/16 inch in diameter holes in about 5 inches deep. Then place outside and wait for the bees to arrive.
