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More Than 40% of US Honeybee Colonies Died In a 12-Month Period Ending In April

Posted by samzenpus on from the won't-somebody-please-think-of-the-flowers? dept.

walterbyrd writes: The Agriculture Department released its annual honeybee survey Wednesday and it doesn't look good. More than 40% of U.S. honeybee colonies died in a 12-month period ending in April. While the precise cause of the honeybee crisis is unknown, scientists generally blame a combination of factors, including poor diets and stress. Some bees die from infestations of the Varroa mite, a bloodsucking parasite that weakens bees and introduces diseases to the hive. Environmental groups also point to a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency said it would stop approving new outdoor uses for those types of chemicals until more studies on bee health are conducted.

3 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. Take A Bow For Your Accomplishments by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Thank you Monsanto, DuPont, etc etc...

  2. Re:Indeed. by bugs2squash · · Score: 4, Funny

    They are painstakingly rubbed into the fur of each bee individually.

    --
    Nullius in verba
  3. Re:Indeed. by xevioso · · Score: 3, Funny

    Exactly. It takes a while but it is worth it; the bee actually really loves to be massaged and have his tummy rubbed.