The Buzz on Bees

The Columbus Area

This website is the result of an initial research project funded trough Early Experience summer research at Denison University.

Through this program I have spent the last six weeks visiting local beekeepers, farmers, and others who are knowledgable about beekeeping. Here are some notes on my findings

CCD has served as a wake up call form many in central Ohio and beyond, as of 2016 it seems the specific height of the impact has diminished but in the face of climate change and industrial agriculture there is still reason to be concerned. Additional challenges still remain.

• Recently, few cases of CCD have been found in the area or in Ohio in general.
• The number one threat to bees is the varroa mite and harsh climates 
  • Lasting through the winter as a hive is very challenging especially with the mite and disease threats.
  • in order to survive the winter, it is essential that bees have about 60 pounds of honey stored and are of good hive strength.
• For many in the area, due to bee allergies and fear of the pain of being stung, for many bees have a negative connotation
  • wasps or other more aggressive species are often mistaken as bees, giving them a bad reputation
• through a better understanding of the values of honey bees and the important role they play in our ecosystem, conservation efforts can be strengthened. 

The Common Fear of Bees

• Many, including myself a mere few weeks ago would get nervous in the vicinity of bees.
• The important thing to understand is that in most cases, the real perpetrators are wasps or Yellowjackets. 
  • Bees are very committed to their work at hand and are docile in nature. For this reason, they never attack unless they fear for their own lives or worry the hive is threatened.
• A better understanding of the value of bees through their pollination and honey production can help alleviate that fear