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Drought Threatens B.C. Bees and Blooms
7 Jul
Summary
- Dry spring conditions harm native bees, impacting their ability to nest.
- Drought-stressed plants offer less nectar and pollen, reducing bee food sources.
- Flower scents and colors change, making them harder for bees to find.
Much of British Columbia is experiencing a drier-than-normal spring, a situation that researchers and honey producers warn is harmful to pollinators. Bee enthusiast Elaine Sedgman has already observed fewer native bees in Kamloops this season. This trend aligns with broader concerns about declining wild bee populations across North America, partly due to climate events like droughts.
Behavioral ecologist Caleb Bryan explains that drought intensifies challenges for B.C.'s predominantly ground-nesting bees. Dry soil makes excavation and nest maintenance more difficult, while reduced leafy shade further stresses these insects. The availability and quality of food sources are also impacted, as drought-stressed plants produce less nectar with altered sugar content.
Beyond nectar quantity, drought also affects how plants signal to bees. Changes in flower color, weakened scents, and altered petal thermal patterns can make it harder for bees to find and be attracted to flowers. These combined factors risk persisting difficulties for bee populations and impact honey production for farmers like Emily Huxter in the North Okanagan.
To help, planting a variety of native species that bloom throughout the seasons is recommended, especially in areas with honey bee foraging, to ensure sufficient food for both native and managed bees.
