Why the Honey Bee Population in the U.S. Is Declining

In recent years there has been a drastic fall in honey bees and their colonies, especially in the U.S. While bees can seem like mere pests when they invade family picnics, they do serve an important role in agriculture and the economy.

The Importance of Honey Bees

Honey bees are responsible for honey production and helping with crops. They are essential in the pollination process. Big losses can occur without enough bees to pollinate plants and flowers. Honey bees are responsible for 80 percent of the flowering crops in the U.S. They help with fruits, nuts, olives, soybeans, cucumbers, alfalfa sprouts, legume seeds and cotton.

The Decline of Honey Bees in the U.S.

The bee population is in danger. Possible causes of the dying bees are the pesticides being used, cell phones giving off radiation and amateur beekeepers.

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is another reason for the dying bees. This is when bees mysteriously leaves their hives and never return. It is believed that they become diseased and die off at this point.

Bees are social by nature, so it is strange that they would leave the hive and not return. No evidence of dead bees is found near their hives. Furthermore, they leave behind their young and the queen bee. Their disappearance is quick because there is usually storage of honey left in the hive as well.

Varroa mites are likely the cause of CCD. These are parasites that attack hives and suck out the honey bees' fluids, leaving them weak and prone to infections.

The declining bee population and CCD could lead to the bee population to die out in as little as 10 years if measures aren't taken. The problem is that without honey bees to help in the pollination process, the agricultural industry will suffer greatly. A lack of honey bees has a huge effect on farmers, produce and the economy in general. Honey crops reduced by just 20 percent results in 31 million pounds of honey lost. The impact is real and far reaching.

The Bee Population in Malta

Malta, nicknamed 'land of the honey' is home to a large bee population. The warm temperatures year round and the dense plant life make Malta an ideal environment for bees. Malta is known for its big bee pollination and honey production. The island is also known in Europe for holidays and the top quality hotels in Malta too.

Luckily, Malta hasn't experienced the same decline in honey bees as the U.S. Malta's honeybees are slightly different than the ones that live in the U.S. They don't have the yellow stripes. Instead they are mostly brown and black. They are very active and seem to have better immunity against disease than the American honey bees. They are also spared some of the pesticides that the American honey bees are exposed to.

Hope for Rebuilding Bee Colonies in the U.S.

Funds have been approved by Congress to research the problem with the disappearing bees in the U.S. Conservation and development of bee hives is encouraged as researchers look for answers for the declining bee population. It's something to think about the next time you swat at a harmless bee that shows interest in your lunch. Awareness is the first step in making positive change in the honey bee crisis in both Europe and North America.

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