US Beekeepers recorded the second highest colony loss since record-keeping began in 2006 according to a nationwide survey of more than 3,000 beekeepers released yesterday. Losses are estimated at 45.5% for 2020-21. The beekeepers attributed the losses this year to a number of factors, with the parasitic
Varroa destructor mite being cited most frequently for winter losses and queen issues most frequent for summer losses. Other causes of colony loss beekeepers cited included starvation, weather, and pesticides. EPA has not moved to ban a class of chemical pesticides deemed toxic to bees. In 2018, the European Commission banned the outdoor use of three neonicotinoid pesticides—clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam—because of their potential to harm bees. Growers can only use the chemicals in permanent greenhouses. France went a step further and also banned acetamiprid and another neonicotinoid, thiacloprid. In 2020, the European Commission chose not to renew authorization of thiacloprid. Rep. Earl Blumenaur (D-OR) has reintroduced his bill to ban neonicotinoid pesticides in the US. The previous regime
fought to increase the amount of pesticides toxic to bees and other needed pollinators as part of its war on science. Incremental measures are no longer enough to save honeybees. Contact your representatives and demand they support legislation to protect pollinators. [photo: J. Cree]
