References |
|
References |
|
Photo Sources |
|
Honeybee on Flower on postcard from Wikipedia, public domain. All other photos are credited above. |
|
All graphics created by team members. |
|
Beekeepers around the United States and world share their views on varroa mites...visit the Beekeeping Basics page to learn more!
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia, Public Domain
Honeybees can be bothered by a large variety of problems, from pests to disease.
In fact, they are affected by bacteria, viruses, and fungi within the hive that can have a long-lasting impact on the colonies themselves. These are considered stressors on the honeybee colonies. Stressors are thought to lead to Colony Collapse Disorder.
The honeycomb cells above are in the process of being cleaned out by the bees after chalkbrood.
Photo Courtesy of USDA, Public Domain
Beside environmental factors, many diseases plague the honeybee. In order to understand Colony Collapse Disorder, diseases of the honeybee must be understood as well. There seems to be a high correlation between certain diseases such as IAPV and the possibility that CCD could strike a colony. The causes of the diseases are several, but all leave the bee colonies immune systems vulnerable.
For more views on pesticides, their effects on honeybees, and their use in the hive to control pests, be sure to visit the beekeeper interviews.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia, Public Domain
Another reason honeybees may be disappearing is pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals usually used to protect lawns, gardens, and crops. Each year, 67 million pounds of pesticides are used to protect plant life. What people do not always know is that these chemicals can harm helpful pollinators-especially honeybees.
Honeybees cannot protect themselves from the dangers they face everyday at the hands of humans. Help spread awareness to protect the honeybees.
Photo Courtesy of Wendy Booth, Beekeeper New Hampshire Beekeepers Association
As with many other creatures on our planet, temperature change can affect honeybees. It can wreak havoc on their navigational systems used to find the nest. If the weather is too hot and dry in the summers, or too wet in the winter, colonies seem to have a difficult time surviving.
