There has been no definite cause for the bees dying but viruses, mites, fungi and pesticides could all be to blame it is claimed. The researchers investigation the threat to bees and farming have found that the bees are dying away from the hives and think that pesticides banned in some European countries may be causing the bees to be unable to find their way home.
Crops such as avocados, kiwis and California almonds are amongst those hit by the crisis and it is feared the problem could prove the breaking point for even large beekeepers.
In the UK honeybees have also been seriously declining due to the varroa mite and some species of bumblebee are now seriously endangered as well.
The investigators are exploring a range of possibilities to explain the losses, which they are calling "colony collapse disorder". These include viruses, a fungus and poor bee nutrition.
