Much of British Columbia experienced a drier spring than usual this year, a situation that researchers and honey producers warn can be detrimental to pollinators. Elaine Sedgman, a bee enthusiast and gardener in Kamloops, noted a decrease in native bee activity around her flowers this season. She volunteers with the Native Bee Society of B.C., documenting sightings of native bee species for research purposes.
Wild bee populations across North America are declining, with climate-related events such as droughts impacting the plants that pollinators depend on. In British Columbia, the nearly 500 bee species are facing challenges due to consecutive years of droughts and heat waves, notably the 2021 heat dome.
According to the B.C. Drought Information Portal, by the end of June, 27% of the province was experiencing some level of drought, an improvement from 40% in May. Caleb Bryan, a behavioral ecologist, highlighted that B.C. bees, mainly ground nesters, are particularly vulnerable to droughts as dry and hardened soils make nest excavation and maintenance challenging.
Drought-stressed plants produce less nectar, affecting the quality and quantity of food supply for bees. Changes in flower signals under water stress can make it harder for bees to locate flowers. Emily Huxter, a bee farmer in the North Okanagan, expressed concerns about potential reductions in honey production due to changes in nectar quality and quantity from plant stress.
To support bee populations, Bryan suggests planting a variety of native plant species that bloom throughout the seasons, ensuring abundant flowers for honey bees and native bees. Assessing the impact of this spring’s drought on honey production is crucial for beekeepers in the coming weeks when the honey flow begins.
