Bees Pollinate Crops. Don't Kill Them!

 

The Agriculture Department released its annual honeybee survey Wednesday and it doesn't look good.

 More than 40% of U.S. honeybee colonies died in a 12-month period ending in April.

 While the precise cause of the honeybee crisis is unknown, scientists generally blame a combination of factors, including poor diets and stress. 

Some bees die from infestations of the Varroa mite, a bloodsucking parasite that weakens bees and introduces diseases to the hive. 

Environmental groups also point to a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids.

 In April, the Environmental Protection Agency said it would stop approving new outdoor uses for those types of chemicals until more studies on bee health are conducted.