Much of British Columbia (B.C.) encountered a drier spring than usual this year, a situation that experts and honey producers warn could negatively impact pollinators. Elaine Sedgman, a bee enthusiast and gardener in Kamloops, has observed a decrease in native bee activity around her flowers this season. She is actively involved with the Native Bee Society of B.C., documenting sightings of native bee species for research purposes.
Wild bee populations in North America are declining, with climate-related events like droughts posing a threat due to the stress they place on plant life that pollinators rely on. In B.C., where approximately 500 bee species are estimated to reside, recurring droughts and heat waves, notably the 2021 heat dome event, have raised concerns.
As of the end of June, the B.C. Drought Information Portal reported that 27% of the province was facing some level of drought, an improvement from the 40% recorded in May. Caleb Bryan, a behavioral ecologist, explains that bees in B.C. are particularly vulnerable to droughts as many of them nest in the ground. Drought conditions lead to hardened soil, making nest excavation and maintenance challenging for bees.
Additionally, drought-stressed plants produce less nectar, affecting the quantity and quality of nectar and pollen available to bees. This reduction in food supply may hinder bee populations’ growth across seasons. Furthermore, drought stress can alter the signals that plants emit to bees, making flowers harder to locate and less appealing to pollinators.
Emily Huxter, owner of Wild Antho bee farm in North Okanagan, highlighted that changes in nectar quality and quantity due to plant stress can result in decreased honey production. The impact of this spring’s drought on honey production at her farm will be evident in the coming weeks during the honey flow period.
To support bee populations, Bryan recommends planting a diverse range of native plant species that bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Ensuring an ample supply of flowers is crucial in areas where honey bees and native bees forage to guarantee sufficient food for both groups.
