- Honey Bee Decline
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Why Are Bee Colonies Collapsing?
Above, Dennis vanEnglesdorp gives a lecture about colony collapse disorder and the potential reasons behind it. He provides a fantastic overview of the issue.
This neat, interactive infographic deals with the suspected leading causes of colony collapse disorder. It includes chemicals, parasites, varroa mites, and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus.
Commercial honey bees are put through a lot of unnatural hardships due to their role in commercial agriculture. They are trucked around the country, fed inadequate diets, and are exposed to many chemicals and pesticides. Researchers think the causes of colony collapse disorder are rooted in a combination of these things.
Scientists have found evidence that strongly links colony collapse to the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus. Varroa mites weaken a bees' immune systems, and this can leave them vulnerable to viruses and other pathogens.
This particular beekeeper believes that pesticides are a big factor in what’s causing bees to die as he experienced with his own colony after their exposure to a chemical called Sevin.
