Our Efforts to Address Colony Collapse Disorder and Save the Disappearing Honeybee
"Honey is the soul of a field of flowers"
What is Colony Collapse Disorder?
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is a phenomenon in which worker bees from a beehive or Western honeybee colony abruptly disappear. While such disappearances have occured throughout the history of apiculture, the term Colony Collapse Disorder was first applied to a drastic rise in the number of disappearances of Western honeybee colonies in North America in late 2006.
Aside from fundamental concerns about the survival of bee species, CCD is a significant concern because many agricultural crops worldwide (such as almonds, blueberries and apples) are pollinated by bees. The cause or causes of the syndrome are not yet fully understood, although many authorities attribute the problem to biotic factors such as varroa mites and insect disease. Other proposed causes include environmental change-related stresses, malnutrition, pesticides and migratory beekeeping. More speculative possibilities have included both cell phone radiation and genetically modified crops with pest control characteritics, though experts point out no evidence exists for either assertion. It has also been suggested that it may be due to a combination of many factors and that no single factor is the cause.
What are we doing about C.C.D. (Colony Collapse Disorder?)
Most beekeepers and researchers believe that the Tracheal and Varroa Mites are the root cause of CCD, in that the mites are a vector of other pathogens such as viruses. A vector is an insect or other arthropod, like a mite, that transmits a pathogen such as a virus from an infected host animal to another. The mites have had a severe impact on the bee industry since the late 1980's. The mites have developed a resistance to the miticide used for treatment over the years. Other research has been in developing genetic resistance, we have had limited success. Beekeepers have been experimenting with essential oils to treat for mites, again with limited success. One other beekeeper and myself are experimenting with a soft treatment of coconut oil as a treatment for the mites and we now have the best bees I have seen since the mites invaded the U.S. in the late 80's. The current approved treatments for the mites are causing problems with residues in honey and beeswax.
After learning that coconut oil has been used for centuries in the tropics for the treatment of body lice, we started using Organic Coconut Oil to treat for mites in our beehives. We have been using this treatment for 6 months with excellent results.
Our objective is to develop an Organic soft treatment for these parasites. We are setting up controls that this natural treatment will reduce or eliminate the impact of these pests. We have been looking for help in funding a one year study to prove our observations. This study would involve dedicating one person half time, data gathering equipment and transportation. In addition we will provide the number of bee colonies necessary to yield sound scientific results. We will also solicit help from Dr. Eric Mussen, Head of Department of Entomolgy at UC Davis in our research. A tax-deductible donation for this project can be made to Bennett's Honey Farm, LLC and a receipt will be given. We accept all major credit cards. Please call us at (805) 521-1375.
Any assistance is appreciated and will directly benefit this grassroots effort to eradicate a cause of Colony Collapse Disorder.
Sincerely,
Wailen Bennett
Organic Farmer
Owner, Bennett's Honey Farm
President, Committee for the Promotion of Honey and Health