Honey Bees

“If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.” -Albert Einstein

(picture from Google Images)

Today there is great concern about the endangerment of honey bees. Honey bees may seem like a nuisance on your back porch, but they are extremely important for anyone who plans to eat dinner tonight. Honey bees are responsible for pollinating over 90 different crops! www.pbs.org states,

"Indeed, one-third of the total U.S. diet is derived from insect-pollinated plants, so their survival, which is threatened by parasites, pesticides, habitat loss, and grazing practices, is incredibly important to maintain high levels of food production. Parasites are the primary reason honeybees are endangered."

These mites, Acarapis woodi, live in the trachea walls of the bees - they block oxygen flow and suck blood from the inside.

There are some other theories to explain the species loss. http://animal.discovery.com suggests that electromagnetic frequencies from cell phone towers are disturbing the communication among bees. Also I have seen several fingers pointed at genetically modified crops. Perhaps these GMOs provide poor nutritional value and affect the bee life cycle?

Whatever the real reason for the decline of the honey bees, it is something that should concern us all! Many people like to put all blame on pesticides, but it seems that most chemical companies are trying to help the situation. Working closely with EPA ensures that chemicals are safe for humans and the environment alike. Some companies provide miticides; a composition that could possibly kill the mite that kills the honey bee!

There are some suggestions on http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/may/13/wildlife.endangeredspecies
for what we can do to help honey bees.

1. Become a beekeeper
2. Help to protect swarms
3. Plant your garden with bee-friendly plants 
4. Buy local honey
5. Encourage local authorities to use bee friendly plants in public spaces
6. Learn more about the honey bee and inform others about this fascinating and endangered insect!