Local beekeepers say decline in bee population is concerning for our food supplies

A population problem buzzing in the bee world has local beekeepers concerned. A United Nations report finds the bee population is declining so fast that 37 percent of bee species are facing extinction.

“We are just trying to figure out what is going on with the bees,” said John Scholes, a local beekeeper. “What is the best way to keep them alive.”

Bumblebees, honeybees and butterflies account for about 40 percent of the so-called invertebrate pollinator species now face extinction. About 75 percent of the world’s food supply depends on those pollinators.

“Every one in third bite of food is pollinated by bees,” said Sydney Cameron, an entomology professor. “A huge factor is the bumblebee itself. A lot of our food is dependent upon these bees. If that is not important, I am not sure what is.”

The honeybee population alone accounts for an estimated $15 billion in U.S. crops from more than 130 fruits and vegetables, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Without bees you lose apples, nuts, cucumbers, squash, then all your fruits like raspberry, strawberries, oranges,” Scholes said. “All your citrus fruits.”

While no one has been able to pinpoint the population problem, loss of habitat protectors, pesticides and disease are all factors. Scholes says the big worry right now is the varroa mite.

“It’s almost like a tick for the bees,” said Scholes. “It just wipes them out hard. And it is hard to treat them because you’re trying to kill a bug and bees are also an insect as well.”

To keep bees around, organizations are working to raise awareness. Cheerios is sending out 100 million wildflower seeds to anyone who registers on its website. You’ll also notice the bee on the box is now missing. Scholes says anything will help.

“Plant some flowers,” said Scholes. “If you be like me, I’m the neighbor who has all the dandelions growing in their yard because it is one of the first foods for bees.”