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Photo Sources |
Honeybee on Flower on postcard from Wikipedia, public domain. All other photos are credited above. |
All graphics created by team members.
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While foraging, bees can pick up a variety of harmful pollutants (such as pesticides and insecticides) which they bring back to the hive.
Photo Courtesy of Betty McAdam, Beekeeper Hog Bay Apiary, Australia
Although there are several factors that play into Colony Collapse Disorder, most experts agree that a combination of stressors on the honeybees' immune systems all contribute to CCD. This is why Colony Collapse Disorder is so difficult to isolate and treat within bee colonies.
Varroa mites suck the blood out of the adult worker bees, young brood, and their all time favorite, the drone.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia, Public Domain
There are diseases that plague honeybees normally. A few common diseases that could contribute to CCD are chalkbrood, foulbrood, and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus.
Varroa Mites are one of the most common pests of honeybees. Their effects have been felt on honeybee hives around the world.
To be an organic beekeeper, 80,000 acres of the land must be untouched by insecticides and pesticides.
Photo Courtesy of Wendy Booth, Beekeeper New Hampshire Beekeepers Association
There is a move in the beekeeping industry towards organic, natural products to control pests and keep the hives healthy. This being said, many beekeepers feel chemicals do have a place in the hive. That is, if they are used carefully and in conjunction with good beekeeping practices. However, latest findings show that Colony Collapse Disorder has not been discovered in colonies kept using organic beekeeping methods.
Pesticides: Chemicals to kill a number of different pests (snails, plant diseases, insects)
Insecticides: Chemicals used to kill insects specifically.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia, Public Domain
Environmental toxins are everywhere when you are a honeybee...it is like a mine field. Bees are exposed to toxins by foraging, by drinking water contaminated with chemical runoff, by household and commercial chemicals outside their hive, and even just by breathing.
