Local bee expert explains what the buzz is all about
COOL RIDGE, WV (WVNS) — Bees are a vital part of the ecosystem for many reasons.
They started over 400 years ago, when they were brought over and people were using their honey as a sweetener since there was no processed sugar in the Americas then.
Now bees play a major role in humanity’s survival.
“But now their number one job is pollination. Because without pollination at least a third to a half of the food we eat wouldn’t be available,” said Mark Lilly, Head Beekeeper of the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective.
What’s the buzz? The bees are back!
The main threat for our honeybees are varroa mites. These mites cause a number of problems for bees and if left untreated, can cause colonies to die.
Lilly said that black bears are a threat to beekeepers in West Virginia from February to the end of April.
The weather is warmer so bears are around, but food sources are still scarce, and the colonies full of bees are a good source of protein for the bears. The honey is just an added bonus.
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