The Buzz About Bees

By Lyn Hayes, Forsyth County Master Gardener

TownLoafer Magazine, March 2008

The honeybee population is declining at an alarming rate.

As a Master Gardener, I receive many emails regarding informational workshops, seminars, and classes on a large variety of topics offered throughout the area. Lately I have received many emails on the topic of bees and beekeeping. This inspired me to find out more on this subject.

For instance, did you know that honeybees can fly up to two miles for nectar and pollen? Did you also know that there is only one queen bee in a hive of up to 70,000, and she can lay up to 2,000 eggs a day?

These are all very interesting facts, but do you realize how vital the honeybee is to our agricultural crops and that there has been a major decrease in their population?

According to a study done by Cornell University, the estimated value of the honeybee pollination to U.S. agriculture is more than $14 billion annually.

It is interesting to note that one out of every three mouthfuls of food you eat is a direct result of bee pollination. A lengthy list of foods cannot grow without the assistance of honeybees: carrots, onions, cucumbers, broccoli, pumpkins, squash, apples, blueberries, avocados, almonds, and cherries. The 2006/2007 total production value of almonds exceeded $2 billion; each and every almond depends on honeybees for pollination.

In Georgia, there has always been a strong emphasis on bees and beekeeping. From the North Georgia apple crop to the Southern Georgia squash, watermelon, and cantaloupe crops, much of our state's agricultural industry depends on the honeybee. Accordingly, farmers pay close attention to the bee population.

Since 2006, there has been serious concern about our bee colonies. It's estimated that 40 to 50 percent of commercially kept hives are being lost each year. The seemingly healthy bees are simply abandoning the hives. The name the researchers have given this mass disappearance is "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD).

It is unclear why bees are abandoning their hives, however many scientists believe it is a combination of several factors.

It is speculated that something may be making the bees sick. Included in this theory is exposure to pesticides, an inadequate food supply, and a new virus that targets a bees' immune system.

Currently, research continues into exactly what is causing the bees' distress. In the meantime, additional beekeepers are needed, and there are simple ways each of us can aid our ailing bee population.

Bee proactive

Plant a landscape to encourage bees to visit. Because there are at least 16 different types of bees, a variety of plants is recommended. Plant flowers of various colors that vary in shape.

Plant a landscape that blooms throughout the year; this provides a year-round food supply for the bees. Native plants will thrive in our Georgia climate, have a better chance of survival, and provide pollen and nectar for the bees to eat.

Bee aware of pesticides

There are so many options now for organic pest control. Since a majority of scientists believe that chemical pesticides are a major contributor to CCD, we should use organic methods whenever possible. If you must use a targeted pesticide, apply it at night when the bees are dormant.

Bee excited about pollen

Pollen is bee food. Recently developed genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) include plants that don't produce pollen, bees' essential source of nutrition. Such plants don't occur naturally in nature and trick bees into thinking they'll find food, but leave them hungry. Avoid GMO plants, and plant true flowers. Did you know that flower pollen is not a major contributor to most of the allergies people suffer from?

Bee a beekeeper

This is a very fascinating hobby and certainly helpful to our environment. By starting your own hive you can enjoy the benefits from the honey that it will produce. Honey is a pure food source containing large amounts of vitamin A, B, and C. The valuable nutrients that are contained in honey are excellent for the digestive system. The list of the benefits of honey is long.

Research beekeeping thoroughly, and learn as much as you can before embarking on such a project. Classes are offered, and clubs are available throughout the area. The local chapter of Forsyth County Beekeepers meets at Orwell Middle School at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month.

Bee helpful and bee careful!