Einstein once said "Mankind could only survive four years without honeybees"

Hello Rhapsody1851, First, I'd like to congratulate you on your 100th post. Yeah!!! And, thanks for being willing to do your part to save the world. Actually, I suspect as with most ecological imbalances, that one culprit will not be deemed responsible for our current bee situation. For decades we have been waging war with not just bees, but many insect species by way of eradicating heirloom weed species through the use of herbicides. Even weeds serve a role in the overall scheme of things. In particular, I wonder about the war we've waged on dandelions. No one likes to see them in their lawns, yet dandelion represents one of the most potent herbal immuno-building plant species known to man. So, as we've waged this battle against the dandelions, have we also limited a vital immuno strengthening agent to an unknown number of species, including bees? An interesting question especially since many entymologists studying this phenomena have noted the existence of fungal, bacterial, and viral agents in the abandoned bee hives. So, maybe our war against the weeds has weakened the immunology of the bees? The only thing I know for sure, is that I don't know the answers. I'm far from an environmental expert, but I'm also not an environmental doomsdayer. I have no problem shooting a rattler, or acidifying a fire-ant colony, yet I remain cognizant of how vital it is to try to maintain balance. So, if it is determined that cell phones are culpable or even partly culpable, I have no problem turning mine off. And, I'll continue to avoid chemical pesticides and herbicides, since I don't really mind dandelions. In fact, I rather enjoy a fresh, steeped cup of chamomile and dandelion tea!

Excellent points Sigma77, Although we don't have many dandelions, we've had much less fruit in the past three years. Last year we got a whopping (2) apples, and no peaches at all! I'm not sure how long the human race will last, eating their cell phones, but I guess it's an option. A little salt & pepper might help disguise the flavor of the plastic. Although a little comic relief is always helpful, I don't want to minimize the impact this could have. So, I'll gladly give up my cell phone to maintain do the same? We don't have to ask you to sacrifice, 'cause you're not contributing to the problem. Thanks!

Oops, I meant to say ... I'll gladly give up my cell phone to maintain our food stores, I wonder if others will do the same.

Thank you for sharing your point of view Emeraldisle. I do have a cell phone, though I only use it for emergencies. Yet, I'd have no problem giving it up to restore the navigational abilities of bees, if cell phones are the culprit. I will be checking for any local apiaries to determine if they've noticed any difference in their bee populations since the new cell phone tower went up. As for your concerns about the other damage they might be causing, I considered this when I got my new cell phone a few weeks ago. It is set up to handle a wireless ear piece (Bluetooth), yet I opted against it. I'm ok with having it for emergencies, and using the speakerphone for now. If more research pinpoints cell phone radiation as the disappearing bee culprit, I'll keep it turned off. I hope others will too!

If I did have a cell phone it would be just for emergencies when I have to travel back roads and there isn't a pay phone close at hand. I would like to think if it does prove to be the cell phones that are killing the bees that people would be willing to give them up. Without bees we would be in a lot of trouble.

Hello Myworld_and_you, Thanks for sharing your experience at the bee farm. I'll bet your trip was really interesting, and surely beautiful, as there must have been much vegetation nearby to sustain the bees. I am curious though, did the tour guide or Apiary give any indication about the status of their bee colonies? Thanks again!

Good morning Aphroditei, Thank you for your reply. Bee populations are decreasing all over the world. In California alone, there is an estimated reduction of 70%, according to CA apiaries. Scarry!