Killing Honey Bees with Pesticides

Honey bees are everywhere during the warm months and/or in a warm climate. They could be found anywhere from meddling in the nectar, in the hive, or even giving someone a very good sting. But many of us may have noticed that there seems to be a shortage of bees buzzing around these days. Where are they going? That is the question that many are asking.

Before this question can be answered, we should know that these honey bees play a very huge role in pollinating foods ranging from strawberries to plant foods, virtually everything that we eat. In addition, food sales make as much as fifteen billion dollars in the United States. But the sad reality is that these wonderful contributors to society are disappearing in massive numbers. This is not only a US problem, but a global issue. In fact, in some parts of the world, the dying rate comes to be at sixty percent.

These bees are not dying from cancer, heart diseases or anything of that nature. Instead, they are dying from exposure of pesticides.

According to some scientists, they have CCD, or colony collapse disorder. What is this? This includes mites, which sucks blood, lethal viruses, malnutrition, pesticides, and an almost impossible genetic diversity.

It is alarming that these beautiful honey bee deaths are increasing to approximately over thirty-six percent in addition to the state of Texas. The death in Texas among the bees has increased to seventy percent. This is where the environmental people come into play.

In this country, clothianidin is used only for commercial purposes. What is this stuff and why is it used? This chemical has a sticky coating and it is absorbed by plants and is picked up by nectar and pollen to kill the pests. In this case, the honey bees are the nuisance.

Although the situation with the bees are not nearly as dramatically obvious as in the case with cows, chickens, and swine, this is still a tragedy not only for nature, but for the environment. Just think about the usage of pesticides. It is polluting the air. Also, think about the honey bees' obvious product, honey. It has a very sweet smell; however, many people may say that it does not come close to being as tasty and enjoyable (I think it is very delicious with many things!). It also has many health benefits.

This is such a tragedy about what is happening to these honey bees. What is the purpose of the use of the pesticides? Obviously, to wipe out one of God's creatures. Not only are the pesticides are proven to be deadly for these honey bees, but also to all living creatures. Maybe the environmental people should pay close attention to the long-term effects of pesticides and its impact on nature and society.

Source: www.celsias.com/article/epa-killing-honey-bees-and-keeping-silent-colony-c/