Abell Celebrates World Honey Bee Day with Revolutionary Bee Gut Microbiome Research Offering Hope for Reversing Declining Pollinator Populations
13 Agosto 2024 - 9:32AM
Abell Pest Control, a trusted leader in pest management for over a
century, is highlighting the important issue of bee gut health as
part of its celebrations of World Honey Bee Day on Saturday, August
17, 2024. This day draws attention to the alarming decline of
global bee populations, a crisis with profound implications for
food security and biodiversity. Bees, essential pollinators
responsible for the reproduction of countless crops and wild
plants, are facing significant threats due to habitat loss, climate
change, and the spread of pests and diseases.
"At Abell Pest Control, our expertise in insects extends beyond
managing those that pose risks to humans; we are also deeply
invested in protecting beneficial insects like honey bees and wild
bees," said Brett MacKillop, President of Abell Pest Control.
"Recognizing the critical role bees play in pollination—responsible
for 70% of it—we launched the 'Bee’cause We Care' program to make a
positive impact. With honey bee populations declining worldwide, we
felt compelled to leverage our knowledge to help. Our goals are to
fund and promote research, raise awareness about the decline in bee
populations, and actively engage our employees in efforts to
support and increase these vital pollinators."
As part of this initiative, Abell provides financial support for
students researching pollinators through their scholarship program.
This year, the Abell Pest Control Scholarship in Pollinator
Research was awarded to Christine Macpherson, a first-year MSc
student in the Allen-Vercoe Lab at the University of Guelph.
Christine’s groundbreaking research focuses on the gut microbiomes
of Ontario bumblebees. Her innovative approach aims to establish a
novel bumblebee gut cell line, which could provide critical
insights into how these microbial communities impact bee health and
resilience.
The Allen-Vercoe lab known for its pioneering work on gut
microbiomes, studies the intricate relationships between the gut
health of humans and honey bees. Much like in humans, a
balanced microbiome is crucial for bees’ overall health and
resilience against pathogens. The lab’s efforts include The
Canadian Bee Gut Project was launched by the A-V lab in 2022, which
surveys and analyzes the gut microbiomes from bees across Canada,
correlating these findings with stressors such as agrochemical use,
climate change, and pathogen exposure. The ultimate goal is
to identify novel beneficial microbes of importance to the support
of bee health. By introducing beneficial microbes to bee colonies,
scientists aim to enhance their immune systems, improve their
nutritional absorption, and ultimately strengthen the colonies’
survival. This microbial solution offers hope for reversing the
trend of declining bee populations and securing the future of vital
pollination services.
On World Honey Bee Day, Abell Pest Control is dedicated to
protecting these essential pollinators. We encourage our community
and partners to join us in raising awareness and taking action to
ensure a sustainable future for bees and the ecosystems they serve.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact in preserving
biodiversity and securing food resources for future
generations.
About Abell Pest Control
Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has been providing
high-quality pest management solutions to protect homes and
businesses. As proud members of our community, we offer 24/7
service, combining local expertise with advanced, innovative
technologies to ensure the best in pest prevention and control. Our
commitment goes beyond exceptional service; we also believe in
strengthening our industry through partnerships and community
engagement. Our strong network of alliances enhances our ability to
serve you better. Abell Pest Control is honored to have received
the NSF-GFTC Allied Trades Food Safety Award and to be affiliated
with prestigious organizations such as the National Pest Management
Association (NPMA) and the Canadian Pest Management Association
(CPMA). Learn more about our services and stay updated with pest
control tips by visiting www.AbellPestControl.com or following us
on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Eliana Pasquariello
Abell Pest Control
epasquariello@abellgroup.com