MANITOULIN—While one Manitoulin Island beekeeper blames harmful agrochemicals, including the active ingredients found in Roundup, as the cause for a dramatic decrease in the bee population this winter, another local beekeeper points the blame on Varroa, a parasitic mite.
Dave Kains, a Mindemoya beekeeper, told The Expositor, “Our winter losses were a little higher than normal at 28 percent loss. There are quite a few people indicating they have seen a fair bit of loss in their bee population.”
Mr. Kains said agricultural chemicals “is one problem, but I think at least in my case the loss is due to a pest, that being Varroa, a parasitic mite. We’ve had quite a few losses for years now.”
“Two years ago, we lost two-thirds of our bee population,” stated Mr. Kains, who has about 45 hives. “I’m sure this is the cause of the deformed wing disease virus (caused by Varroa).”
Manitoulin beekeeper and veterinarian Dr. Janice Mitchell “has experienced a devastating 90 percent loss in her bee populations this winter, a stark increase from her 13-year average of 10-25 percent. This unprecedented decline prompted Dr. Mitchell to investigate potential causes beyond her standard integrated pest management practices, leading to alarming findings, a press release noted.
“Despite maintaining consistent beekeeping practices, Dr. Mitchell’s post-mortem analysis of her hives showed no signs of common issues like starvation, mould, moisture or nosema. However, tests conducted on pollen and bee samples revealed the presence of harmful agrochemicals, including bifenthrin, diphenylamine, phosmet and glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.”
“This discovery is particularly significant as AgriFood Labs, where the tests were conducted, indicated that there are no established reference ranges for glyphosate in dead bees due to the lack of routine testing for this chemical,” Dr. Mitchell stated. “The presence of these substances highlights a growing concern over the impact of agricultural chemicals on bee health and the broader ecosystem, especially in regions undergoing transitions from cattle pasture to cash crop cultivation.”
“The presence of pesticides such as bifenthrin, diphenylamine, phosmet and glyphosate in bee populations poses severe risks not only to the bees, but also to the broader ecosystem,” Dr. Mitchell’s press release continues. “These chemicals, known for their neurotoxic and potentially carcinogenic properties, can significantly impair bees’ ability to forage, navigate, and reproduce, leading to colony collapse. The decline in bee and pollinator populations has far-reaching implications for the food industry, as these creatures are crucial for the pollination of a vast array of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without them, many crops would fail to produce food, leading to decreased agricultural yields, higher food prices and potential shortages. The situation on Manitoulin Island serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance without our ecosystems and the urgent need to reassess and modify agricultural practices to ensure the survival of these essential pollinators.”
Dr. Mitchell is now urging fellow beekeepers on Manitoulin Island and beyond to consider testing for these chemicals if they observe unusual declines in their bee populations. “The changing landscape, marked by an increase in the presence of Roundup and GMO crops, necessitates a reevaluation of hive placement to protect these vital pollinators from exposure to harmful pesticides,” she says.
Dr. Mitchell said she is committed to sharing her findings with the Ontario Bee Association, Guelph Bee Lab and other beekeeping groups to raise awareness and advocate for more stringent testing and protective measures for bees. Dr. Mitchell also urges her fellow beekeepers to remain vigilant in the face of unusual colony declines.
“If your winter kill seems excessive or you’re questioning the resilience of your bees, it’s crucial to screen your honey, pollen or even dead bees for harmful chemicals,” she stated. “AgriFood Labs in Guelph can assist with this testing. Additionally, when choosing new hive locations, remember that bees typically forage within a five-kilometre radius. The shifting landscape from pasture to cash crops necessitates a thoughtful consideration of hive placement in relation to areas where GMO crops and pesticides are prevalent. It’s essential to understand the environment surrounding our hives to safeguard the health of our bee populations,” added Dr. Mitchell.
