18-year-old Katie Culbert from Toms River thinks she found a way to protect bees from varroa mite, one of the most destructive pests. The bugs feed on bee larvae, causing deformed wings and bodies.
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Culbert is now researching how mist diffusion of certain essential oils may be able to stun the mites without harming bees.
"This continuous-release system had an efficacy of over 97%, which is really promising and exciting," Culbert said.
Culbert was recently crowned the "Honey Queen," acting as a spokesperson for the New Jersey Beekeepers Association.
The group says her work is so important because bees alone pollinate 80% of all flowering plants, including 130 types of fruits and vegetable.
But bee populations are rapidly declining.
Nearly 90% of the American bumble bee population has been wiped out in the last 20 years.
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So how can you help?
Experts say you can avoid using pesticides and check with your local garden center about plants native to the area.
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