"Honeybee populations struggle against a variety of environmental factors. 'In the mid-80s, parasitic mites destroyed the wild honey bee population,' said David Tarpy, an associate professor and apiculturalist, or beekeeper, at N.C. State University. Widespread usage of insecticides continue to threaten the domestic population, he said, and colony collapse disorder kills whole hives.
'CCD is a mysterious problem for beekeepers,' Tarpy adds. 'If you see a honeybee, thank a beekeeper.'
Researchers are investigating how the remaining feral bee populations survived, Tarpy said. It’s important that remaining feral bee populations be protected, so that scientists can investigate why the honeybees aren’t healthy, he adds.
To support honeybees and beekeepers, Tarpy outlines three things anyone can do:
— Be conscientious about which insecticides you use in a home garden, because harsh insecticides often kill or weaken honey bees.
— Plant bee-friendly gardens with abundant pollen and nectar sources to support the bee population.
— Become a beekeeper."
The Herald-Sun - Honeybees an endangered 186M industry
By Kinsey Sullivan
'CCD is a mysterious problem for beekeepers,' Tarpy adds. 'If you see a honeybee, thank a beekeeper.'
Researchers are investigating how the remaining feral bee populations survived, Tarpy said. It’s important that remaining feral bee populations be protected, so that scientists can investigate why the honeybees aren’t healthy, he adds.
To support honeybees and beekeepers, Tarpy outlines three things anyone can do:
— Be conscientious about which insecticides you use in a home garden, because harsh insecticides often kill or weaken honey bees.
— Plant bee-friendly gardens with abundant pollen and nectar sources to support the bee population.
— Become a beekeeper."
The Herald-Sun - Honeybees an endangered 186M industry
By Kinsey Sullivan
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