What is the mysterious problem that has recently emerged with honeybee?
 
CCD stands for Colony Collapse Disorder, which is defined as the sudden die-off of honey bee
colonies.  CCD appears to be occurring across the United States.  According to the CCD Working
Group, CCD is characterized by:
• a lack of adult bees in the hive
• little to no build-up of dead bees in the hive or at the hive entrance
• presence of capped brood, and
• presence of food stores, which are not immediately robbed by other bees
 
What is the cause of this problem?
 
Unfortunately, no one is clear why there is a sudden die-off of honey bee colonies.  There are
many theories, including:
• chemical residue/contamination in the wax, food stores, and bees
• pathogens or parasites in the bees and brood
• stress to the bees and brood
• lack of genetic and lineage diversity in bees
 
What can be done?
 
We don't know enough yet about this massive loss of honey bee colonies yet to be able to
conclude responsibly what caused it.  
 
However, this is a giant wakeup call that we can no longer take honey bees and other insect and
animal pollinators for granted.
 
We do know that forces like habitat destruction, improper use of pesticides, invasive species and
global warming are placing our pollinator world at risk.
 
As the major National Academy of Sciences report on the Status of Pollinators recommends, we
must:
• improve our scientific understanding
• increase awareness about 
o the importance and fragility of pollinators and 
o their role in our food supply and healthy ecosystems
• take action to protect pollinators and their habitat
 
What can individuals do?
National Pollinator Week is the last week in June.  You, your children and your community groups
can become Pollinator Partnership participants and make a difference through actions as simple
as creating pollinator-friendly habitat in your back yard!  See www.pollinator.org/ for information
on how to get started.  This includes:
• Planting for pollinators in your yard, garden, farm, ranch, local community.
• Reduce your impact on the environment 
• Get involved as a Pollinator Partner (www.pollinator.org)
• Learn about bees and other pollinators – and teach others of their importance