Do We Really Need Bees to Survive?

Bees and Pollination

Honey bees play the most vital role in pollination. Without honey bees, crops would not be able to cross-pollinate and consequently, couldn't survive. They are more important than one can imagine. This explains why farmers rent honey bees from beekeepers and bring them to their crop farms to ensure cross-pollination. Honey bees travel large distances within a relatively short time to pollinate all crops on the farm. This process is crucial for the survival and abundance of fruits and vegetables.

Bees in Pesticide and Sea Death

The biggest problem is that if bees are exposed to pesticides, they can bring these toxins back to the hive, causing a mass die-off of the colony. This highlights the delicate balance that exists in our ecosystem and the potential catastrophic effects of pollution on bee populations.

Bees in Hawaii

As noted by Aloha, the fishing community in North Kohala, Hawaii, often exploits wild bee swarms blowing offshore. These bees, while tiring from their journey, might fall into the sea where fish eagerly await. Fishing in these waters with a fly resembling a bee dramatically increases the chances of landing a meal. This anecdote underscores the significance of bees in sustaining marine life and, by extension, human life.

The Criticality of Our Current Lifestyle

We certainly need bees to continue the lifestyle we currently enjoy, with all the fruits and vegetables available in abundance. If honey bees were to disappear, our food supply would be severely reduced. Wind-pollinated plants would provide a limited variety of fruits and vegetables, making our diet monotonous and unappealing.

Facing the Reality Without a Complete Loss of Honeybees

Despite concerns, I do not believe that we are facing a complete and total loss of honeybees and other pollinators. However, beekeepers in most areas of the United States and elsewhere are experiencing large losses of colonies. Beekeepers can replace lost colonies through techniques such as splits and buying new nucs and bees, though this can be financially challenging.

Causes of Losing Bee Colonies

Several factors contribute to increased mortality rates in bee colonies. These include the appearance and growth of viruses and bacteria, varroa and tracheal mites. Monoculture farming, which became widespread after World War II with the use of chemicals and the disruption of ecological systems, also plays a role. Colony Collapse Disorder, while receiving significant attention, is just one of many challenges faced by hobby and commercial beekeepers today. In my personal experience, living in the Southeast of the US, there are noticeably fewer wild or feral bees than in previous decades.

In conclusion, the importance of bees in our survival and agricultural success cannot be overstated. Efforts to protect and conserve bee populations are crucial for maintaining our current lifestyle and ensuring a sustainable food supply in the future.

Keywords: bees, pollination, agricultural success