Graduation Honeybee Project.

by Jeremy Rowan
(Matthews, NC, USA)

Hello,

My name is Jeremy and I am a Senior at David W Butler High School, Matthews NC.

The topic of the paper I have to write is the effect humans have had on the evolutionary time-line. As you probably know Africanized bees were a result of humans cross-breeding European honey bees and African bees.

What I would like to know is if we have caused Colony Collapse Disorder, CCD, or the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus to reach the bees in the United States.

I would also like to know if at any time I could come with you to bee removals so I can get some hours for my project. It would be much appreciated.

Hi Jeremy

Unfortunately at the moment the cause of the Colony Collapse Disorder which has decimated the honeybee population in many parts of the United States and Europe is still a mystery.

It seems likely to me that the cause is probably a combination of factors like the Israeli Virus, stress brought on by mono-culture agriculture and the Varroa mite.

As far as you visiting my bee hives, I would be happy for you to do this, however my bees in Southern California are quite a long way from your high school in North Carolina. I suggest you try contacting beekeepers in North Carolina.

I did have a visit from two local high school students a few months ago. You can read about their project on 'What is Happening to Bees?'

I think it's very commendable that high school students are aware of the catastrophe that is facing our honeybee population.

Good luck with your project.

The Bee Guy