Honeybee colonies have been hurt by several parasites over the past two decades, including the varroa and tracheal mites, which weaken the bees making it hard for colonies to survive the winter. The newest problem facing honey bees is Colony Collapse Disorder in which honeybees abandon their hives and die.

The cause of Colony Collapse Disorder is as-yet unknown, although there has been speculation that it is caused by pesticides, viruses, or a secondary effect of a colony weakened by mites. You can read more about the problem here.

Ice cream maker Haagen-Dazs and natural personal care products company Burt’s Bees have pledged money for research and begun efforts to help save the bees.

The problem affects about 40 percent of Haagen-Dazs’ 73 flavors, including banana split and chocolate peanut butter, because ingredients such as almonds, cherries and strawberries rely on honey bees for pollination. Last spring the ice cream maker issued a limited-edition flavor, Vanilla Honey Bee, to raise awareness of the plight of honey bees. A portion of the proceeds of the company’s bee-dependent flavors will fund research into bees. Haagan-Dazs also donated $250,000 to Pennsylvania State University and the University of California to research causes on Colony Collapse Disorder.

Burt’s Bees is running an informational public service announcement on Colony Collapse disorder, and encouraging people to plant gardens that attract honeybees. Click here for more information.