How Problematic is the Bee Shortage?

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The number of honey bees in the United States is on the decline and scientists are actively considering its impact. There is also a quest to find out how best to mitigate the effects that it will have on crop production and management. Bees play an important role in many aspects of our lives. When it comes to the pollination of different botanicals, honey bees are very important. They provide support for crop production worth billions of dollars every year. All over the world, the involvement of honey bees, as well as other pollinators, are responsible for crops that are worth as much as $170 billion.

So, any consideration of the most crucial players in the agricultural sector cannot be complete without mentioning honey bees. This is something that botanists, farmers, professors, and researchers all agree to. 

The Current Situation – Declining Bee Population

National Geographic has identified a critical situation referred to as the colony collapse disorder. This disorder has led to the rapid disappearance of bee colonies over the past decade. In fact, there are regions where these losses have occurred by up to 90%, according to the report. The available data shows that each year, the population of bees continues to dwindle.

The decline in the population of managed honey bees controlled by commercial beekeepers was over 37% from October 1, 2018, to April 1, 2019. Based on preliminary data released by a non-profit known as Bee Informed Partnership, that figure shows a significant increase when compared with the same time frame a year earlier. Bee Informed Partnership is affiliated with the University of Maryland. 

From April 1, 2018, to April 1, 2019, the report showed that there was over a 40% decrease in the population of managed bees. This figure is almost an average of the rate of decline since 2006 as seen by beekeepers and researchers. It’s easy to see that the losses are very high and have now reached a point where researchers have become used to seeing such high rates of loss. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency points to hive survival during the winter months as a way of knowing the overall bee health in any region. It’s also known the longest survivors during winter happened to be worker bees. 

The Reason For The Bee Shortage

There are different reasons for the decline in the honey bee population. One of the leading reasons is connected to a parasite known as the varroa mite. This parasite is notorious for infiltrating beehives and infecting the bees with diseases. Many of these hives hardly survive an invasion. Poor management practices and loss of habitat are some other factors linked to the bee shortage. This can occur when these bees have to be transported from one location to another during winter.

A decline in the population of honeybees has also been attributed to more factors like exposure to other diseases, as well as pests and pesticides. And not only do these factors affect honey bees. Wild bees and other pollinators experience a population decline too.

What To Do If You Notice a Bee Infestation

While bees and their population should be protected, this doesn’t mean that you have to let a bee infestation stay in your home. Bees can be problematic and depending on the type of bee, can sting. However, if you do notice a bee infestation, it is best to have a professional manage it. Our pest control technicians are experienced in relocating bees in a safe and humane manner. We will also provide you with any recommendations for taking care of a bee infestation, whether it is in your house, or taking over your backyard.

Expert Bee Removal in Troy

Solidified Pest Control has the tools and resources needed to safely remove bees from your Troy, Michigan, or surrounding property. We have hundreds of satisfied customers in Livonia, Redford, Waterford, Plymouth, Farmington Hills, Farmington, Utica, Canton, and all throughout Wayne and Oakland counties. Give us a call today at (866) 614-6762 or reach out to us via our convenient online form. We are a top-rated pest control Michigan company and 100% customer satisfaction is our goal. When you need Troy pest control services that you can trust, just reach out to us today.