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Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: JCDNWarrior on October 05, 2011, 06:28:21 am

Title: Bee populations and apparently mass die-offs
Post by: JCDNWarrior on October 05, 2011, 06:28:21 am
I ran into this particular article recently, its from a few days ago. It stands out in my opinion from the usual stuff.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2044764/The-mysterious-honeybee-apocalypse-Up-12-million-bees-dead-dying-Florida-knows-why.html

And

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110930/NEWS01/309300018/Mysterious-south-Brevard-bee-kill-confounds-costs-keepers

It may be a little sensationalist but I wonder if the recent discussion of RoundUp, GMO in general, something else is involved? It raises a lot of questions at the least. Hope to hear opinions on this.
Title: Re: Bee populations and apparently mass die-offs
Post by: Bobboau on October 05, 2011, 07:08:54 am
nb4teenagers+raid
Title: Re: Bee populations and apparently mass die-offs
Post by: Aardwolf on October 05, 2011, 01:13:21 pm
I've been hearing about this from my dad for several years now. IIRC it's a parasite?
Title: Re: Bee populations and apparently mass die-offs
Post by: MP-Ryan on October 05, 2011, 01:40:44 pm
Quote from: Aardwolf on October 05, 2011, 01:13:21 pm
I've been hearing about this from my dad for several years now. IIRC it's a parasite?

Colony-collapse disorder is thought to be a type of parasitic infection.  What the articles describe is not a colony collapse.  Sounds like the local agencies interested are pretty sure it's due to a pesticide of some kind (possibly an insecticide, possibly something else).
Title: Re: Bee populations and apparently mass die-offs
Post by: Ravenholme on October 05, 2011, 06:23:06 pm
Quote from: MP-Ryan on October 05, 2011, 01:40:44 pm
Quote from: Aardwolf on October 05, 2011, 01:13:21 pm
I've been hearing about this from my dad for several years now. IIRC it's a parasite?

Colony-collapse disorder is thought to be a type of parasitic infection.  What the articles describe is not a colony collapse.  Sounds like the local agencies interested are pretty sure it's due to a pesticide of some kind (possibly an insecticide, possibly something else).

Specifically, CCD is most strongly linked to the varroa mite.  And a chance to show off the work of one of my lecturers: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/861203-honey-bee-researcher-makes-worlds-most-influential-list
Title: Re: Bee populations and apparently mass die-offs
Post by: WeatherOp on October 05, 2011, 10:43:28 pm
As a beekeeper myself my best guess would be a combination of things. Not only are the little and very intelligent creatures very picky, but I have no doubt mites, small hive beetles, lack of food, insecticides, herbicides and maybe even being over worked and bothered can all contribute to CCD. You can do everything right and if they decide they don't like you or your equipment, they will just pack up and leave.