A recent study from Washington State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture sheds light on the potential risks posed to honey bee populations by warmer autumns and winters, with significant implications for pollination services and agricultural productivity.Published in Scientific Reports, the study delved into the impacts of climate change on honey bee colony dynamics, particularly focusing on the Pacific Northwest, but holds implications for hives across the U.S.
Specifically, late-season flights alter the colony's age distribution, skewing it towards older bees, which in turn increases the risk of colony failure in the spring. This "spring dwindling" phenomenon occurs when warmer spring temperatures stimulate flight activity, causing mortality, especially in older foraging bees.For beekeepers and the agricultural industry, these findings signal potential challenges ahead.