The Mason bee has become the unsung hero of the honey bee population
The Mason bee has become the unsung hero of the honey bee population Honey bee populations are again declining, threatening crops. ‘s Scott Simon talks to Dave Hunter, who raises the unsung hero of the orchard (and champion pollinator), the Mason bee.
Commercial beekeepers say there are huge die-offs of their bee colonies. Washington State University researchers expect that this year the losses will be between 60 and 75%. Fewer honeybees means fewer crops are pollinated, and that, of course, threatens food production. It’s apparently well known in the bee world that honeybees are not particularly good at pollinating. Other bees are more accomplished. David Hunter owns Crown Bees in Woodinville, Washington, and is an evangelist for the native mason bee. Mr. Hunter, thanks for being with us.
(SOUNDBITE OF MORT GARSON’S “PLANTASIA”)