U.S. honeybee deaths raise concerns as beekeepers report a 62% colony loss between June and February. Project Apis m. has characterized the situation as “catastrophic,” which might have a major effect on agriculture and raise food costs.
Why Are Honeybee Deaths Increasing in the U.S.?
The loss of honeybees is caused by a number of causes, according to researchers:
- Mites of Varroa: A parasite that weakens entire colonies by feeding on bees.
- Pathogens: Illnesses that propagate across hives and further diminish their population.
- Lack of a variety of flowers and food that are necessary for bee health is known as a nutrition shortage.
Elina L. Niño from UC Davis emphasizes that the U.S. has about 2.7 million colonies, making these losses devastating for beekeepers and the agriculture industry.
What Impact Does This Have on Food Prices?
Because they pollinate 75% of natural food supply, bees bring $17 billion to American agriculture each year. Bee population declines may result in lower agricultural yields, especially for fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which would raise grocery store costs.
An increase in theft of beehives
As bee numbers decline in California, where bees are essential for pollinating almonds, beehive thefts have dramatically increased.
- Theft of hives has climbed 87% since 2013.
- approximately 10,000 hives valued at approximately $3.5 million were collected.
- Because thieves target hives at night, recovery is difficult.
To prevent theft, authorities advise beekeepers to use branding and tracking devices. According to beekeeper Trevor Tauzer, “you work all year to keep the bees healthy, and then someone just steals them,” describing the scenario as terrible.
What Are the Options?
Niño emphasizes that in order to combat honeybee losses, government assistance is essential. In order to provide pollinators the vital nourishment they need, she also exhorts people to cultivate flowers that are beneficial to bees.
More than just an environmental problem, the U.S. honeybee disaster is an agricultural emergency with immediate economic repercussions.
Source: NBC News
