Bee Health: The Role of Pesticides (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Dec. 11, 2012 |
| Report Number |
R42855 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Linda-Jo Schierow, Specialist in Environmental Policy; Renée Johnson, Specialist in Agricultural Policy; M. Lynne Corn, Specialist in Natural Resources Policy |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
This report: 1) Describes changes in managed and wild bee populations, given readily available data and information. It focuses on managed and wild bees only, and excludes other types of pollinators, including other insects, birds, and bats. Data on managed honey bees are limited, and do not provide a comprehensive view of changes in bee populations. Data for wild bee populations are even more limited. 2) Provides a listing of the range of possible factors thought to be negatively affecting managed and wild bee populations. In addition to pesticides, other identified factors include bee pests and diseases, diet and nutrition, genetics, habitat loss and other environmental stressors, and beekeeping management issues, as well as the possibility that bees are being negatively affected by cumulative, multiple exposures and/or the interactive effects of each of these factors. 3) Briefly summarizes readily available scientific research and analysis regarding the potential role of pesticides among the factors affecting the health and well-being of bees, as well as the statutory authority and related regulatory activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) related to pesticide use.
