Save the Bees: Just Say NO

Pesticides Kill

Bees are important insects. They are essential to many of our food crops; they also pollinated wild food sources providing food for our native wildlife. Without the bees, wildflowers would be in decline along with other heirloom species; bees are needed to keep the planet colorful.

While most are familiar with the honeybee, there are 3,500 known species of native bees to North America. In recent years, all of the bee pollinator species have been declining in population for a variety of reasons.

The honeybee population has been decimated by a mystery disease dubbed Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD for short. Scientists and researchers are still seeking clues and a defense for the honeybees. The honeybees are also under attack from several species of mites which have also impacted on the number of hives.

Other bee pollinators could also be affected by CCD and more certainly mites. Researchers also point to other causes for the declines: lack of habitat, lack of food sources and pesticide use.

Cahrles Vorisek, the president of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association has, unfortunately, seen it all has has lost upwards of sixty percent of his hives. Others have suffered equal losses and some have lost 100 percent.

Charlie told me he experienced some heavy losses in his hives which we in an area where pesticides were sprayed. He encourages people to be prudent with the sprays, if they even have to be used, and to never use pesticides when flowers are blooming.

Wildflowers are an important food source for all be pollinators; leave field and pasture edges alone, don't bother spraying.  Many wildflowers are considered weeds but think again; they have evolved with the bees in a mutually beneficial relationship for centuries. The relationship between the bees and the wildflowers benefits mankind-it is part of the process which results in the foods we consume. Without the wildflowers, bees are in trouble; without the bees the wildflowers are in trouble. Without either the bees or the wildflowers, mankind is in deep trouble.

Some of the wildflowers have fascinating histories; dandelions and the golden rod are two examples. Often considered nasty weeds, they are actually just the opposite. There are many flowers which attract and provide nourishment for the bees. Generally, the heirlooms have more nectar and pollen; hybrids not as much or none since they were bred to be showy. Bees have good color vision and are generally attracted to blues, purples, yellow and white flowers.

Generally honeybees are very gentle insects; other bees can be more or less aggressive.
Every year about 100 people die from bee stings; many more suffer severe reactions. But there are some common sense steps to take to prevent a bee sting. Here is a good article on how to prevent bee stings.


Blueberry Season

Blueberry season is in full swing in many regions. Blueberries are some of the healthiest berries known but be sure to get those grown organically. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) non-organic blueberries can contain harmful pesticides. Blueberries are listed as one of the Dirty Dozen vegetables which can be contaminated by harmful chemicals.

Organic foods are healthier.Purchase or pick the berries from reputable organic growers. In season, the prices are generally lower and blueberries can be easily froze, canned or dried for future use.

Late Tomato Blight

Late tomato blight is on the move. Be prepared, check your plants every day if possible and spray. There are several organic sprays which can be used. Once late blight appears, it will quickly kill the tomato and potato crops.

Late blight travels quickly and the spores can travel upwards of thirty miles a day with the wind. So far the summer in Northwestern Pennsylvania has been hot, perhaps hotter than normal; few blight cases have been reported. The blight thrives in cool wet weather.

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