Ontario Beekeeper Wants to Know Why 1.2 Million of Her Bees Suddenly Died

A beekeeper from Sudbury is facing a devastating loss after over a million of her bees died unexpectedly.

Dawn Lalonde, who runs Mikkola Family Farm & Apiary in Lively, Ontario, had been tending to her bee colonies in the same location for seven years. She had plans to relocate to a new property and expand her business, but those dreams were shattered when 1.2 million bees perished on June 14.

Upon discovering the mass deaths, Lalonde described the scene as “apocalyptically eerie.” She noticed a significant drop in the bee population in one of her colonies, with signs of dead bees scattered outside.

The sudden loss has not only been emotionally distressing for Lalonde but has also dealt a financial blow to her business. She had hoped to use the proceeds from this season’s crop to fund her relocation plans.

Seeking answers, Lalonde suspects that a chemical sprayed in the area may have caused the bees’ deaths. To investigate further, she initiated a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $10,000 to cover the costs of lab tests to identify the possible cause.

She emphasized the importance of collaboration between beekeepers, government agencies, and the community to address such incidents and prevent future tragedies. Lalonde expressed gratitude for the support she has received from fellow beekeepers and community members during this challenging time.

Reflecting on her journey into beekeeping, Lalonde shared that what started as a hobby a decade ago quickly evolved into a full-fledged business.

Chemical Concerns

Lalonde is determined to uncover the root cause of the bee deaths and believes that government intervention may be necessary to address the issue effectively. She highlighted the need for rigorous testing to identify any harmful substances that may have impacted her bees.

She underscored the complexity of the testing process, noting that multiple chemicals will need to be analyzed individually, with each sample costing $320. Lalonde also pointed out the risks posed by the inadvertent combination of natural mosquito repellents and substances harmful to bees, such as garlic.

As she continues her quest for answers, Lalonde remains hopeful that the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders will lead to a resolution and safeguard the future of beekeeping in the region.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness refrained from commenting on specific cases but encouraged beekeepers to report incidents of honeybee mortality through the province’s mortality reporting form in cases of suspected environmental issues.

Started as a Hobby

For Lalonde, what began as a casual interest in beekeeping blossomed into a thriving business over the years. Despite the challenges she currently faces, her passion for beekeeping remains unwavering as she seeks to overcome this setback and continue her journey in the world of apiculture.