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2024-11-11

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US honeybee deaths hit record high as scientists scramble to find main cause (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 6 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Summary

US honeybee deaths hit a record high, with beekeepers losing over 60% of colonies this winter.

The crisis threatens pollination of key crops and has led to financial ruin for many beekeepers. Scientists cite climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use, varroa mites, and poor handling as potential causes.

The USDA is investigating the latest losses, but Trump-era staff cuts have slowed research, prompting Cornell University to assist.

Despite increased colony numbers from rising beekeeper interest, loss rates continue to surge, endangering agriculture and ecosystems.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

You should plant some native wildflowers if you can. Especially purple and blue ones (bees see purple the best, much like humans see red).

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago (1 children)

We have that, but I feel like we just actual numbers to combat the colony collapses at this point.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago

I don't know what bees are native to your area, but you could help them out by buying some baby bees in their cocoons and releasing them when appropriate. For me in the Pacific Northwest, it's mason bees in the spring and leafcutter bees in the summer. I've got a couple little bee houses with tubes for them to nest in. And the tiny baby bees are adorable.