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.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss nomadic people were victims of crimes against humanity, says government
This content was published on
The persecution of Sinti and Yenish in Switzerland in the 20th century is a crime against humanity according to current international law.
Swiss court finds ex-Gunvor executive guilty of corruption
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Criminal Court sentenced a former executive at Gunvor oil trading group to a 24-month suspended prison sentence.
Young adults feel increasingly helpless, finds Swiss generation survey
This content was published on
Young adults in Switzerland believe they have less influence on the future development of society according to the latest Generation Barometer.
Swiss 2024 wine harvest was poor due to weather conditions
This content was published on
The 2024 wine harvest was the second worst in the last 50 years due to unfavorable weather conditions such as frost and hail.
Swiss Red Cross fails to recognise foreign osteopathy diplomas
This content was published on
The Swiss Red Cross did not adhere to the guidelines set by the court when examining foreign qualifications of an osteopathy training.
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.