No matter the size, the shape, or wherever in the animal kingdom one fits, every living creature has an important role to play in maintaining the delicate balance of our environment.  None more, perhaps, than the unassuming honeybee.  Over the past decade or so, honey bees have been in the spotlight as scientists search for answers to the worrying colony collapse disorder (CCD) impacting wild and managed hives alike. CCD is the sudden die-off of bee colonies attributed to a number of factors that weaken the hives such as the parasitic varroa mite and other bee colony stressors include neonicotinoid pesticides, disease, drought, habitat destruction, and a changing climate.

Approximately one-third of worldwide food production comes from insect-pollinated plants, with honeybees responsible for 80% of that production.  Almond farmers are understandably very concerned because they depend on honeybees to grow their crops.  Almonds and almond-based products have skyrocketed in popularity recently, particularly among people who have dietary restrictions. Whether you just like to snack on almonds or use almond milk, almond flour, and almond butter, honeybees make it all possible.  It takes about two honeybee hives to pollinate an acre of almond trees, which is more than the wild bee population can handle. Luckily for almond lovers, growers rent beehives to pollinate the almond orchards. 

Researchers continue to study the causes of CCD and what might be done to offset the potentially devastating effects of honeybee colony loss. Banning all neonicotinoid pesticides is considered to be the best idea; or one can buy and support organic farming.  You and I can plant pollinator gardens to make sure honeybees have a healthy food source.  Oh, and stay away from using insecticides at home.  Visit treehugger.com for super easy natural insecticide recipes.

If you’re interested in becoming a beekeeper, it’s easy!  Most counties, including Guilford County, have a local bee club.  Take a look.

By Lorelei Elkins