Bees Under Threat!
The industrial revolution and agriculture intensification which has developed over the past decade has provided a great risk to biodiversity (Crenna et al., 2016). Human activity puts ecosystem services jeopardy, consequently risking a loss of nature which are essential to human well-being (Crenna et al., 2016). An example of this are pollinators (such as bees) which provide a critical life support system essential for plant support including the growth of vegetables in agriculture (Crenna et al., 2016). Of plants grown in agriculture 75% are pollinated by insects with bees representing the most vital group (Doublet et al., 2015); the global economic value of pollination is estimated at £176.5 billion in 2005, (Doublet et al., 2015).
One of the main threats to pollinators is land use including agricultural practices and the uncontrolled development of urban and sub-urban areas (Crenna et al., 2016) which has modified the natural environment thus having negative implications to pollinators (Crenna et al., 2016). Moreover, the massive introduction of mono-culture crops such as maize has reduced wildflower diversity which bees need for nesting and foraging (Crenna et al., 2016). Large areas of agriculture or urban areas prevent the migration of bees resulting in a barrier to gene flow (Crenna et al., 2016). Furthermore, bee foraging behaviours risk exposure to chemicals, such as neonicotinoids (type of pesticide). Plants are treated with neonicotinoids when seeds and take up chemicals into all the tissues, including pollen (Godfray et al., 2014).
When bees make contact with pesticide it reduces their reproductive performance and changes behaviour resulting in a decline of the species (Crenna et al., 2016). Behavioural changes such as impaired olfactory memory, learning dysfunction and alteration of navigational skills resulting in difficulties in relocating to a new hive (Blacquiere et al., 2012). This results in bee colonies have reduced growth as a consequence of having a reduced brood and queen production, ensuing a premature colony collapse (Godfray et al., 2014). Furthermore, neonicotinoids can make the bee more vulnerable to pathogens which increases bee mortality (Doublet et al., 2015). In 2003 the European Commission restricted the use of three pesticides, however, they are still widely used (Crenna et al., 2016). Other pesticides which are not classed as the sub-lethal neonicotinoids such as Pyrethroids may alter learning, foraging and homing ability in bees moreover, will affect biological development (Crenna et al., 2016).
Pesticides in gardens
Neonicotinoids are present in many products sold to the public and can be legally put onto plants in larger concentrations to farms, in some cases up to 120 times greater posing a risk to pollinators. To help bees look on the label for any of the following chemicals (Breyer, 2015):
Acetamiprid.
Clothianidin.
Imidacloprid.
Nitenpyram.
Nithiazine.
Thiacloprid.
Thiamethoxam.
There are methods which are effective in killing pests which do not harm bees, one is buying organic pesticides however, just because they are labelled organic not all contain chemicals which are kind to bee’s. Below is a list of bee friendly, none toxic herbicide, pesticide and fungicide (Julia, 2016):
Bacillus thuringiensis.
Garlic.
Kaolin clay.
Corn gluten.
Gibberellic acid (Julia, 2016). .
Other methods include:
If you must apply pesticides, only use on effected plants preferably when they are not in bloom. Apply in dry conditions and in the evening when bees are not present (Julia, 2016).
Use floating row covers, these are fabric which allow sun and water to come through but keep out the bugs. These will not stop the invertebrates in the soil but will stop beetles etc. place on when plant is growing, secure with rocks but leave enough space for the plant to grow (Julia, 2016).
Hand picking, probably the most time consuming, in the evening go through each plant removing slugs, caterpillars, slugs and beetles place them in soapy water. This technique will not work for small invertebrates but will reduce pest overall (Julia, 2016).
Traps, some gardeners leave a bowl of beer or soapy water in the garden to attract and drown slugs. Some wrap a paper collar round the seedling pushed 3 inches in the ground to stop soil invertebrates (Julia, 2016).
Attract beneficial insects to your garden such as ladybirds by planting flowering herbs in your garden such as dull or basil. These insects will feed on garden pest lowering their numbers (Julia, 2016).