Impact of Insecticides on Beekeeping

Terence Ingram, a naturalist and beekeeper from Apple River, Illinois, has been raising honeybees since 1954. Despite his passion, he has witnessed a decline in bee populations, which he attributes to insecticides and herbicides. Researchers, including Christian Krupke from Purdue University, have linked bee deaths to neonicotinoid insecticides. These chemicals, used in agriculture, have significantly reduced bee colonies in the U.S. Ingram remains committed to beekeeping, despite the challenges posed by these environmental factors.

What is Terence Ingram's profession?

• Entomologist

• Zoologist

• Naturalist

• Botanist

What has caused the decline in honey production according to Ingram?

• Insecticides and herbicides

• Climate change

• Predators

• Lack of flowers

When did Ingram notice a decline in his bee population?

• 2016

• 2006

• 1996

• 1986

What type of insecticides did Krupke and his team focus on?

• Organophosphates

• Pyrethroids

• Neonicotinoids

• Carbamates

How do neonicotinoid insecticides primarily affect bees?

• Through air pollution

• Through planter exhaust

• Through direct contact

• Through water contamination

How many honeybee colonies were there in the U.S. thirty years ago?

• Four million

• Three million

• Five million

• Two million

What action is the European Union planning regarding certain insecticides?

• Increase their use

• Ban their use

• Subsidize their production

• Promote their benefits

What is the current number of honeybee colonies in the U.S.?

• Less than four million

• Less than three million

• Less than two million

• Less than one million

What has happened to many beekeepers in Ingram's area?

• They have gone out of business

• They have increased honey production

• They have expanded their operations

• They have switched to other crops

Despite the challenges, what remains unchanged for Ingram?

• His financial success

• His passion for beekeeping

• His number of hives

• His location