Honey Bee Deaths Explored

Here, we take a look at the issues, from pesticides to cell phones, from beekeeping practice and varroa to Genetically Modified foods.

Perhaps one issue that is getting less attention, is the fact that it's no only honey bees that are disappearing. Other bee species and pollinators are also showing severe declines. I'm not sure the 'missing bees' phenomenon is really so difficult to explain.

Check out the following links to the different angles of this theme on my site - and keep coming back, as I add more pages!


Introduction
Click here for some background information. Apparently we can put a man on the moon, but we cannot yet (officially at least) get to the bottom of why our bees are dying.


Why Do Honey Bees Matter?
Some argue that where honey bees are not native, it does not matter if they become extinct. Find out why this argument of convenience simply doesn't stack up. Honey bees have a broader role in conservation than pollination. We ignore the signs that honey bees are giving us at our peril!


Controvesial: Neonicotinoid Pesticides
Neonicotinoid pesticides are suspected by many to be causing honey bee deaths, as well as being harmful to other species. This page provides some background information about this class of pesticides, and how they work on insects.


Pesticide Studies
Here we examine a sample of the independent studies on neonicotinoid pesticides. There are also links to further reports.


Habitat Loss - Especially Wildflowers
Habitat loss is a major problem for all pollinators. The loss of wildflower habitats is especially of concern. Even garden trends can affect pollinators. If gardeners choose more hard landscapes devoid of flowers, and plants low in pollen and nectar, bees and other pollinators simply do not have enough food to survive.


Varroa Destructor
Varroa mite can decimate colonies of honey bees very quickly. Learn more about Varroa, as well as treatment options available.


Coming soon: a look at the impact of GM foods, cell phones and beekeeping practice.


Missing Bees
Honey bee deaths are not the only issue. Why are other species of bees disappearing too? A background page here.


Without a doubt, we need to know why our bee populations have been declining, and we need to know fast. Einstein gave humanity 4 years to live if bees die out. We don't know what the exact consequences would be, but certainly, they could be disastrous for mankind and the environment. So this leads me to my next link:


What can you do to help the bees?
Here are 10 simple things to choose from, to help the different types of bees.

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