Extensive habitats with a diversity of wild flora and natural pollinator habitats, have been converted into monocultures producing human food, with significant pesticide use, but little nectar and pollen. Extensive areas of natural landscapes, have been transformed by direct reconstruction into urban zones, without adequate consideration of the pollinator habitat.

Pathogens, parasites, unwise use of chemicals in crops and mass spraying to destroy insects, are just some of the factors responsible for the deaths.