Albert Einstein If the Honey Bee Dies- We Die

The Bee Population has been decreasing since 2008 in the United States and about 2006 in Europe. Albert Einstein had a theory about bees. He once said,” “If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live. No more bees, no more pollination … no more men!” If the is true we will have some serious problems in 2012.
Varroa Mites
Some scientists believe the Varroa Mite a parasite; suck the fluids from the bee resulting in a weakened immune system. The Varroa Mites are causing a major loss of bee colonies. It is estimated as much as 70 percent of beekeepers hives have perished. The beekeepers that transport their bees throughout the country to pollinate crops are unknowingly spreading the mites.
Colony Collapse Disorder
• Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) or Honey Bee Depopulation Syndrome (HBDS) causes worker bees from a honeybee colony to unexpectedly disappear. This is devastating to the rest of the colony.
Pesticides
• New pesticides are constantly being developed to battle the continual onslaught of problem insects. These pesticides are tested to be safe for humans and the environment, but what about the honey bee? Some scientists like Entomologist Diane Cox-Foster believe that compounds called neonicotinoids are impairing a bees immunity and other scientist believe it’s causing bees to have problems locating their hives and they’re simply getting lost.
Other Factors
• Researchers from the Working Group first examined samples from across the country of dead bees and they found a common fungal growth in the bees' guts. The fungi may be from the genus Aspergillus, a group of fungi that produce toxins which can kill young adult bees.
• Then there are Transgenic Crops that are engineered to be insect resistant- including bees. This could be another factor contributing to the loss of bee colonies.
• Some researchers are suggesting that climate change and global warming may contribute to the stress levels of the bee populations. Confusion and changes in pollination times are causing unnecessary stress levels to the bees.
Possible Non-Chemical Treatments
• There are a few chemically free ways of treating these mites. Some beekeepers are using a screened bottom board. Basically, it’s a piece of mesh that’s placed on the bottom of the colony and it is designed to allow mites to fall through. Some of these bottom boards have a sticky surface.
• Another way is called comb trapping which has been the most successful. This process moves the queen bee from comb A, B, and C at specific times.
Losses
• American’s and the world are dependent on honey bees to pollinate almost half of the fruit and vegetable they eat. Here’s a list of some of the crops that require pollination:
Okra, Onions, Cashews, Celery, Strawberries, Beets, Mustard, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Papayas, Chestnut, Watermelon, Tangerine, Coconut, Hazelnut, Cucumbers, Squash, Flax, Mangos, Apples, Cotton, Sunflowers, Soybeans, Avocados, Apricots, Almonds, Plums, Cherries, Peaches, Raspberries, Boysenberries, Cranberries, Blueberries, Grapes and the list goes on…
Billions and billions of dollars will lost for the agricultural industry besides the loss of food supply for a world. This will not only be a blow to the American economy but the world as well. This will decimate any the future for bee keepers.
• Never in recorded history has the bee population dwindled so quickly and in such huge numbers worldwide.
Many scientist and researches from numerous institutions like the Pennsylvania State University and University of Montana are working tirelessly to solve this crisis with one of our most precious insect- the honey bee. Hopefully, they will be able to solve this problem before it’s too late and the bees become extinct.