In the experiment, the research team attached sticky traps to car bumpers and used statistics from the Department of Transport to further analyze their data. The results suggest that tens of millions of bees are killed every day as drivers speed on highways in the western United States. Wilson, along with several USU alumni, reported their initial findings in the Nov. 7 issue of SUSTAINABLE Environment.

The study published that “At peak, there could be as many as 4.9 billion bees (dying) in a 6-month bee flight season if average daily traffic values ​​are used.” Tests conducted between 2019 and 2021 by USU Tooele researchers enabled the collection of this data.

Wilson said: “Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem. The consequences of their frequent collisions with vehicles extend beyond a minor travel inconvenience. In fact, the impact of bee deaths … may have a greater negative impact than we realize.”

More important than we realize

The quality of roadside habitat has a direct impact on whether animals may stay on their roadside or decide to cross the road in search of better feeding grounds. Wilson suggests that public management, as well as private organizations, should create plantations along roads and in environments.

“It may not be the best solution in all areas if planters encourage insects to cross roads to access these resources,” says Professor Wilson. The question that arises is how to create a bee-friendly shelter without endangering them.

Wilson believes more research is needed to better understand how road design can be less harmful to these pollinators. However, he believes that with awareness and concerted efforts, landscapes can be “restored” along highways to support bee populations.

Professor Wilson said: “Bees are key species that support plant diversity and reproduction. Understanding how we can support pollinators … is an important step toward protecting these important insects.”

The Environment and Climate Change Portal is produced in cooperation with the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The Jerusalem Post maintains all editorial decisions related to content.