In the summer months, beekeepers face a host of problems, both financial and environmental: a swarm of pests. These creatures can have a devastating impact, wreaking havoc on their colonies and their production. From mites to wasps, this article will explore the many creatures that threaten beekeeper colonies, and ways to protect against them.
1. Beekeepers Being Besieged by a Plague of Pests
Honeybee Population Taking a Toll
Beekeepers all over the world are finding themselves in a precarious position due to a bombardment of pests, causing greatly reduced honey bee populations. A toxic cocktail of varroa mites, Nosema ceranae, and a deadly virus, are putting the dedicated bee guardians in a difficult spot. In some places, the total bee population is reported to be down by as much as 70-80%. Out of sheer necessity, many have had to abandon the traditional methods of keeping bees in order to avoid the ever increasing attacks.
One of the main effects of these epidemics has been an alarming reduction in the number of honey bees available for pollination. This has caused an equally alarming rise in the cost of bee pollination services, placing more financial burden on the farmers who often need special permission from their local beekeepers in order to bring in extra bees for pollination.
The Fight Against Pests
- Beekeepers have been seeking alternative ways to combat the pest problem, including new regulations, pesticides and trapping methods.
- Numerous government initiatives have taken up the fight, often with assistance from NGOs and beekeeping associations.
- Various methods for establishing healthier bee colonies have also been developed, including special diet regimes, genetic manipulation, and an increase in the number of managed colonies.
Despite all the efforts, the beekeepers still face an uphill battle. These pests have proven to be incredibly resilient, often making a comeback after the beekeepers have thought they’ve managed to restrain them. The danger is imminent and constant for all beekeepers. As this crisis worsens, their efforts to protect the bee population, and the vital pollination services, become more and more vital.
2. Examining the Causes of the Swarm
The causes behind an occurrence of a bee swarm are varied. Not all bee swarms are created due to the same reasons, and understanding the cause of a swarm can be beneficial in determining the best outcome for your beekeeping environment.
Colony’s Population – Too many residents in one colony creates space issues, leading to overcrowding. When this happens the bees will naturally seek to split the population into two colonies.
Queen Bee Health – A weakened or aging queen will often cause the colony to become restless and cause a swarm. If the colony recognizes a queen as unhealthy they may try and replace her with a newer, healthier bee.
Habitat Change – A change in the bee’s habitat, either from a change in weather or other environmental conditions, can cause the bees to swarm as they look for better housing and beekeeping environment.
- Weather extremes
- Chemical pollutants in the air
- Extended periods of drought
No matter the cause of a bee swarm, it is important to act quickly and seek the advice of experienced beekeepers. Keeping a watchful eye on your colonies can help you spot and prevent swarming.
3. Bees Under Attack by Varroa Mites
Throughout the globe, bee populations are facing an increasingly dire situation due to infestations of varroa mites. In order for us to enjoy agricultural abundance and healthy ecosystems, we must protect our bee populations from this insatiable predator.
What are varroa mites? These no-larger-than-a-pinhead pests latch onto bees and suck out their blood, weakening their health and interfering with the bee’s ability to fend off deadly infections, like the deformed-wing virus and fungal infections. Varroa mites have spread around the world and are thriving, causing considerable harm to bee populations.
Beekeepers are having to adopt brilliant strategies to keep their colonies healthy. Regular hive inspections, monitoring varroa mite levels, using mite treatments, and removing infected bees from the colony are all practices beekeepers must take into consideration. Complicating matters, the varroa mite has become resistant to several insecticides.
- Varroa mites feed on the blood of honeybees.
- Beekeepers must use a variety of practices to protect their colonies from these pests.
- Varroa mite infestations have caused significant declines in bee populations around the world.
4. Slow and Steady Response: Developing Control Strategies
Slowly but surely, developing control strategies is the key to practically dealing with any nuisance-causing organism. Such strategies should give us the best chances of long-term success, particularly when managing non-native species in sensitive ecosystems.
The primary focus of these strategies revolves around minimizing the long-term effects of the organism’s presence. This is where we need to ask ourselves:
- What are the areas that are most prone to disruption by the introduced species?
- Is it possible to contain, eliminate, or mitigate their effects in those areas?
- Can native species be encouraged to compete with the intruder?
The answers to such questions can vary greatly depending on the target species. For example, direct control methods such as mechanical removal of introduced species (e.g. plant uprooting, waterway treatments, baiting) can be beneficial in some instances. On the other hand, more indirect methods such as habitat manipulation, captive breeding, and translocation could be more appropriate in other cases.
Regardless of the chosen approach, the ultimate aim is to reduce the number of detrimental introductions and reinforce natural habitats. This is where the slow and steady response approach comes in. By recognizing the complexity of these situations and developing thorough control plans, we can work towards restoring the balance in our local ecosystems.
5. Seeking Solutions to this Bedeviling Menace
The bedeviling menace of global warming has cast a pall over humanity and our planet, and while progress has been made, there is still more work to be done. To ensure we see a brighter future, we must come together and recognize the necessity of finding solutions.
From implementing innovative and effective green initiatives to stepping away from traditional practices that are known to harm the environment, there are a number of ways we can make a difference.
- Utilize renewable energy sources to power homes, businesses, and industries
- Minimize use of non-renewable resources
- Reduce reliance on single-use plastics
- Increase efficiency of building materials, appliances, and electronics
We must also be mindful of our own footprints and the decisions we make each day. Turning off lights and unplugging electronics not in use, as well as reducing water and electricity usage are small but impactful actions. Carpooling or taking public transportation, eating locally grown food, and opting to reuse items rather than buying a new ones are changes that all of us can make in order to help the environment.
6. Examining Ways to Reduce the Impact on Bee Populations
Bee populations are declining at an alarming rate, with some species facing extinction. While pesticides and mono-cropping are the primary factors causing this decline, there are a variety of ways that we can reduce the impact on bee populations:
- Garden for Pollinators: Planting gardens that are specifically designed to attract pollinators with a variety of flower types, colors, and heights will provide a structured source of food and protection for native bees and other pollinators.
- Minimize Pesticide Use: Applying pesticides to crops has been known to reduce bee populations. Where possible, use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods, or follow organic or low-input farming methods.
- Create Bee Habitats: Establishing and protecting bee habitats, such as bee meadows, will help to ensure that bees have a safe place to live, build nests, and pollinate flowers in the wild.
- Incorporate Managed Honeybee Hives: While wild bee populations are declining, managed honeybee hives can provide a stable source of pollination and act as an important resource for other pollinators in the local environment.
These efforts will ensure that bee populations are able to thrive and continue to provide an essential service in the pollination of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Furthermore, a healthy bee population will support the growth of other species, as well as provide health benefits to humans.
By engaging in measures that reduce the impact of human activity on bee populations, we can help to ensure the health and success of bees and other important pollinators.
7. Looking for Signs of Hope in the Midst of Chaos
The world can often feel like a battle of chaos and hope. Every day, we’re confronted with stories and news of conflict and adversity, leaving us to ponder our own courage and strength. But if we look closely, we can also see signs of hope in this chaos.
Start small. Help out a friend or family member who may be in need. Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken with in a while. Check in on your neighbors. These small acts of kindness and compassion can add up to create larger ripples of hope.
Be open to seeing beauty in places you don’t usually look, be it in the changing of the leaves, a stunning piece of art, or a peaceful sunset. Take time for yourself to appreciate the small moments. Allow yourself to be inspired as a reminder of the larger picture.
- Support others. Help out your friends and family members in their ventures.
- Volunteer. Reach out to a local organization that needs help with their work.
- Set an example. Show others what hope looks like and that life isn’t only about the negative.
It’s easy to feel hopeless in the face of chaos, but it’s important to remember that despite our darker moments, there is hope. Even small gestures of goodness can go a long way, making the world a better place.
8. Uniting to Combat this Unwelcome Intrusion
The coronavirus pandemic has created ripples of uncertainty across the planet. An invisible enemy has managed to sow discord and grief, leaving in its wake a trail of death and disruption. We must take coordinated action to save the world from this catastrophic scenario.
To begin, it is essential to facilitate discussion between nations. A comprehensive dialogue among international leaders will help bring forth iron-clad plans of action. Moreover, compassionate steps are required to protect the vulnerable sectors from further financial ruin.
Committed authorities should tackle the virus on multiple fronts and enhance cross-boundary collaboration. Some actionable solutions include:
- Strengthening healthcare systems globally. Governments must take measures to ensure that healthcare facilities have the necessary infrastructure to contain the virus. This includes increasing the supply of medical equipment, recruiting additional personnel and reinforcing quarantine protocols.
- Fostering communication between nations. Both developed and developing countries should work together to share information and discuss effective counter-measures. This will help China, Italy and other virus-hit countries to apply the same solutions to their unique situations.
- Increasing collaborations between pharmaceutical companies. The world needs robust strategies to build immunity, develop testing methods and create innovative treatments. To this end, it is essential to bring scientists together and coordinate research initiatives.
It is essential to remember that this pandemic is a crisis without borders, race or nationality. As we confront this exceptional challenge head-on, let us set aside past differences and work hand in hand towards a brighter future.
Beekeepers have a lot to consider when it comes to tackling the swarms of pests that have become a serious problem. With the right strategies and knowledge, they will hopefully be able to protect their hives and ensure that the bees they work so hard to care for will continue to thrive. It is not an easy task, but the reward of having healthy, productive bees is worth the effort.