Myths published by Chemical Companies, Commercial Apiaries, Pro-Green Organizations, and the Department of Agriculture abound.
The current Honey Bee Crisis in the United States is being propagated and exasperated by the above named perps, and a complete lack of consensus on the part of chemical-free proponents. Let us explain...
Myth List 1. Honey Bees cannot survive Varroa infestation without treatment. Currently, Private Beekeepers and select boutique Apiaries across the country are successfully maintaining chemical free hives. Links to these projects are listed. Bush Farms, Melissa Bees, B Weaver Apiries, 2. Imidacloprid & Neonicotinoid exposure always causes CCD (colony colapse disorder) or bee death. As we stated in our solutions publication, removing pesticides from the environment no matter how desirable, is not feasible. Bees from Green Chapels Alpha hive collected pollen and nectar from plants treated with products containing Imidacloprid and other Neonicotinoids. Additionally, our farm is located in the center of 1000 plus acres of commercial farm land, growing Corn, Soy Beans, Hay and Tobacco annually. Currently, virtually every Corn and Soybean seed that is planted in treated with neonics, along with a cocktail of fungicides.We are in no way supporting the use of these or other chemicals, but since this is a fact-finding mission and not a witch-hunt, the facts speak for themselves. Bayer vs Beekeepers.
More to Come.....so stay Tuned!
" The only way to have a sustainable system of beekeeping is to stop treating. Treating is a death spiral that is now collapsing. To leverage this, though you really need to raise your own queens from local surviving bees. Only then can you get bees who genetically can survive and parasites that are in tune with their host. As long as we treat we get weaker bees who can only survive if we treat, and stronger parasites who can only survive if they breed fast enough to keep up with our treatments. No stable relationship can develop until we stop treating". Micheal Bush - Author of "The Practical Beekeeper"