Where have all the honeybees gone? ASK THE HORT AGENT
Question Where have all the honeybees gone?
Answer Long time passing. Where have all the honeybees gone? Long time ago. Where have all the honey bees gone? They’ve disappeared and nobody knows. When will we ever learn? When will we evvvvver learn? (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lyrics/flowrsgone.htm)
The 2007 version of the 1960s war protesting song will be significantly shorter. There will only be one verse. When honeybees disappear, there won’t be a full circle of life. The National Research Council reports that three-quarters of all flowering plants rely on pollinators for fertilization of their flowers (this also includes bats and other insect pollinators). Honeybees pollinate more than 90 commercially grown crops in North America. One out of every three bites you take each meal was pollinated by honeybees.
Over the past 10 years, honeybees have battled viruses, mites and beetles. Beekeepers have struggled to stay ahead of each new threat. Since the end of 2006 bee hives started disappearing at an alarming rate. This phenomenon has even been given a name – Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Currently, scientists are only guessing at the causes. Everything from pesticides to cell phone usage has been blamed.
The seriousness of this situation seems to be causing a “witch hunt” type of atmosphere. Since CCD is so recent and acute, it seems to rule out long time suspects like pesticides and cell phones. Its abrupt occurrence tends to point more toward spike events like unusual weather or a solar flare. More than likely it is a combination of factors like weak hives (from the previously mentioned pests), lack of genetic diversity, and poor nutrition in combination with a spike event.
As homeowners, it is important we take steps to help and not hurt this situation. Plant enough ornamental plants to have something flowering from spring through fall. Leave as many native flowering trees as possible (sourwood, wild cherry, locust, etc…). Sow cover crops like white clover whenever possible. Use insecticides wisely and only when necessary. If possible, use insecticides at night on flowering plants (rinse off the residue before early morning). Lastly, don’t disturb colonies that are swarming unless you are a beekeeper.
Honeybees tend to swarm during the spring. They are not dangerous when they are swarming. Actually, they are probably safest to observe during a swarm. The last thing on their little minds is attacking you. Although they look dangerous, they are more preoccupied with finding a home for their queen.
For more information on landscaping for bees, visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Beekeeping/bee2b.html If you don’t have internet access, call me at 910-893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org
A secondary effect will be felt in sex education. No more talks about the birds and the bees. I guess it will have to be the birds and the beetles.
Gary L. Pierce
Horticulture Extension Agent
Harnett County | 
