H/t reader squodgy:
This report bears out the British Bee Keepers’ comments at the Southport Flower Show this year when I asked if we in UK are suffering to same extent as in US.
Seems bee pollination in US is intensive and even tiring for the bees, being shipped from apple to almond to orange orchards in quick succession.
Seemingly the continuous “working” of the insects interferes with their normal habits, resulting in tiredness, resultant weakness and greater susceptibility to any possible adverse effects from pesticides.
As ever, it boils down to the secondary effects of ‘mass production’ on the main factor of production…..the bee.
Univ. of Nebraska entomologist studies the effect pesticides have on honey bee behavior