Colony Collapse Disorder is affecting bees around the world, causing colony losses of over 30% since 2006. Losses at this level, if they continue, could have a devastating effect on crops and the bee pollination industry as a whole. So what are the possible solutions to Colony Collapse Disorder that can help us safe honeybees?
1. Ban the use of pesticides called Neonicotinoids.
This type of pesticide has been banned in Europe already. The reason is because the chemicals that make up the pesticide are similar to nicotine. In bees, it is believed to cause a suppression of the immune system and interferes with their ability to navigate properly, especially if received in high doses. A complete removal of pesticides may also be necessary in some areas that see high bee loss.
2. Fight the mites.
One of the primary contributors to Colony Collapse Disorder is believed to be the Varroa mite. This small mite will attach itself to the back of bee who is foraging and then lay its eggs in the honeycomb next to the developing young bees. Along with the bacteria and other pathogens that come with the mite, eliminating them may be able to help the honeybee find a way to recover.
A special gate has been designed for commercial hives that will poison the mite should it be on the back of a honeybee as it passes through. The results of this solution to Colony Collapse Disorder, however, have yet to be determined.
3. Give bees more access to food.
One simple fact of science: if you are not getting enough to eat, then you are more vulnerable to health issues. Bees are not exempt from this fact. With grasslands being destroyed at a record place to support the biofuels industry, there may not be enough food to support the honeybee in its natural environment. Most croplands only see a blooming period of 2-4 weeks, compared to natural wildflowers, which may bloom all season.
Planting blooming crops, such as clover, along with biofuel crops, could help to provide some of the extra food the bees need to survive.
The solutions to Colony Collapse Disorder at the moment are more of a trial and error process. We’re not sure what is causing the issue, so a definitive solution is difficult to find. With more research, the honeybee will have a chance to survive, especially with ideas like these.
Crystal Lombardo is a contributing editor for Vision Launch. Crystal is a seasoned writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She has been an editor of three popular blogs that each have had over 500,000 monthly readers.
