Much of British Columbia (B.C.) has experienced a drier spring than usual this year, a condition that experts and honey producers warn can adversely affect pollinators. In Kamloops, bee enthusiast and gardener Elaine Sedgman has observed a decline in native bee activity around her flowers. Sedgman, who volunteers with the Native Bee Society of B.C., diligently records sightings of native bee species for research purposes.
Wild bee populations across North America are dwindling, with climate-related events like droughts being a significant contributor. In B.C., where an estimated 500 bee species reside, consecutive years of droughts and heatwaves have raised concerns, particularly following the 2021 heat dome incident.
As per the B.C. Drought Information Portal, 27% of the province was under some level of drought by the end of June, showing an improvement from the 40% reported in May. Ground-nesting bees in B.C. are especially vulnerable to droughts, notes behavioural ecologist Caleb Bryan, as droughts lead to dry and hardened soils, making nest excavation challenging and reducing leafy shade essential for nesting bees.
Drought stress not only affects bees’ food sources but also alters the signals that plants emit to attract bees. Drought-stressed plants produce less nectar, impacting the quantity and quality of nectar and pollen available to bees. This reduction in food supply can hinder bee growth and survival across seasons.
Emily Huxter, a third-generation bee farmer in the North Okanagan, emphasizes that changes in nectar quality and quantity due to plant stress often result in decreased honey production. The impact of this spring’s drought on honey production at her Wild Antho bee farm will become evident once the honey flow commences in a few weeks.
To support bee populations, Bryan suggests planting a diverse range of native plant species that bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Maintaining an abundance of flowers is crucial, especially in areas where honey bees and native bees forage, to ensure an ample food supply for both bee populations.