Mites and insecticides prove killer combo for honey bees
Since 1985, the total number of bees in Switzerland has fallen by a quarter.
Keystone-sda-ats Ag Switzerland
Swiss researchers have shed light on the whys behind the rapid decline of the honey bee with a study focused on the combined effect of two key stressors.
The researchers treated workers in honey bee colonies with two selected insecticides (neonicotinoids). These had no influence on the weight and longevity of the bees, according to a statement by the University of Bern on Tuesday.
However, as soon as the Varroa mite entered the mix, a harmful interaction of the two factors could be demonstrated.
The researchers have published their results in Scientific ReportsExternal link, the open access platform of the scientific journal Nature.
Winter bees particularly affected
Winter bees, which are born in autumn to ensure the survival of the colony over the coldest months, were particularly hard hit,
The negative “combined effect” not only led to a shorter lifespan of the winter bee workers, but also took a toll on body size. Body size is crucial to how well winter bees can defend their body temperature against the cold.
The researchers are therefore calling for sustainable solutions in agriculture.
“Reduced use of insecticides and improved control of the Varroa mite are urgently needed,” says Lars Straub, lead author and post-doctoral fellow at the Institute for Bee Health.
The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is by far the most important human pollinator. In recent years there have been high losses of honey bee colonies worldwide.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
This content was published on
After reaching a low point at the end of 2024, the Swiss job market showed the first signs of a slight recovery in the first quarter.
This content was published on
Switzerland's dioceses are making arrangements for the faithful to attend the Pope's funeral, including public screenings.
Vulnerable tenants hit hardest by Zurich evictions
This content was published on
More tenants are evicted in Zurich than anywhere else in Switzerland, which particularly affects older people on low incomes.
This content was published on
Swiss National Bank Q1 profits weighed down by foreign currency investments, which the rise in gold was unable to offset.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The endangered insects that we never see
This content was published on
Can the decline of insects in Switzerland be halted? The first national day of the insect is calling on politicians and public to act.
Different hives make sticky situations for beekeepers
This content was published on
A different type of hive has made beekeeping more attractive to people who haven’t looked after bees before. But there are still some essential things beekeepers need to know.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.