What is causing the decline of the honey bee population?

Over the years, there continues to be a decline in the honey bee population.

According to scientists at Washington State University, losses of honey bee colonies this year are projected to be the highest on record in the last decade. While there is no definitive cause, there are a number of factors that could be contributing to the decline in the honey bee population.

“We’ve heard about colony collapse disorder, it could be attributed to things like pesticides,” said Natasha Wright, entomologist at Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. “Especially when they’re used inappropriately, so we don’t want to spray flowers ever. That includes homeowners using their own pesticides. It could be a little bit of climate change.”

According to WSU, honey bee colonies could decline by up to 70 percent this year, while average losses have typically been up around 50 percent annually.

The loss of the bees could have a significant impact on farmers who rely on them for pollination

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