The honey bee is a major pollinator of many food crops. Crops such as almonds, apples, avocados, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, sunflowers, and watermelons rely heavily on honey bee pollination. If honey bees disappear and we do not find a pollinator replacement, food supplies will decrease, food prices increase, crops will not grow, and we will not be able to harvest this essential resource to feed ourselves or our families. In other words, there is a direct connection between the bees pollinating the crops and our ability to provide food for our families.
People, including some farmers, take honey bees for granted. The feral honey bee population was thriving before the onset of new pests and diseases such as the Varroa mite. The Varroa mite has had the most significant impact on honey bees, appearing as a silent killer as early as the 1980s. This mite killed such a large number of honey bees that it became known as the "disappearing disease." Even to this day, the Varroa mite continues to be a problem for honey bees, especially the wild feral bees. The domesticated colonies, on the other hand, can be treated to help suppress the mite population.
Another pest is the small hive beetle that arrived on the scene in the 1990s and has also proven to be a real challenge to control. Other pests and diseases include the tracheal mite and the American foulbrood, sacbrood, and nosema spore-forming and viral diseases. Given all these pests and diseases, and the failure to provide adequate nutrition for domesticated colonies, it is no surprise that the honey bee population has been significantly reduced. People can do their part to help preserve the honey bee population by starting their own colonies.
Most colonies can be really gentle when the colony is properly inspected. Many beekeepers claim that working with their bees relieves stress. Some beekeepers even take time from their hectic schedules to simply sit and watch the honey bees coming and going from their hives. Watching bees come and go from the hive can be quite relaxing. In addition, the hobby of beekeeping has demonstrated a greater awareness of environmental stewardship and gardening activities.
Please visit "Incredible Honey Bee" on the STAR website for more information about this amazing insect.
Last Updated: June 23, 2010