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Hello, and welcome back to Everyday Science. Here in the southeast, we’ve enjoyed a delightful stretch of warm and sunny days, perfectly timed with the arrival of spring. I’ve been spending time in my garden, checking in on the residents of my bee hotel. This small habitat I crafted serves as a sanctuary for solitary bees, allowing them to lay their eggs in safety from the harsh winter elements. Soon, we will witness the emergence of their young.
Last summer, however, was noted as an unusually poor year for bees and other pollinating insects, according to reports from extensive “citizen science” initiatives where community members record their sightings. Recently, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust announced that the number of bumblebees observed in 2024 has plummeted by nearly a quarter compared to average figures from 2010 to 2013—the lowest in their recorded history. Given the vital role bees play in pollination, especially for a wide variety of flowering plants, including fruits and vegetables crucial for human consumption, as well as crops for livestock like oilseed rape, this trend raises significant concerns. So, how worried should we be, and what actions can we take to help them recover?
At first glance, the alarming figures for bees in 2024 may seem dire, but it’s important to contextualize them. The populations of insects often experience dramatic fluctuations from year to year due to weather conditions, explains entomologist Dr. Kelly Jowett from Rothamsted Research, an agricultural institute located in Harpenden. Last year, the weather was unusually cold and damp during the spring, making it challenging for bees to find food. Cold temperatures require more energy for flight, while rain can cause flowers to droop, limiting access to nectar. “Bees thrive in warmth,” Dr. Jowett notes.
Typically, a poor year for a specific insect species is counterbalanced by a strong subsequent year, thanks to natural cycles in predator populations or food availability. Thus, 2025 could potentially see a rebound in bee numbers.
Long-term Decline
Despite these yearly fluctuations, there has been a concerning long-term decline in many bee species, as well as other pollinators, over the past several decades. Research indicates that one-third of the UK’s 353 bee and hoverfly species have experienced declines in their habitats between 1980 and 2013, while only one-tenth have shown an increase. The primary driver of this long-term trend is the loss of natural wildflower habitats, as more land is converted for housing or agricultural use.
Pesticides utilized in farming may also play a significant role. Although the UK has largely banned the use of a particularly concerning class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, there are still worries that other chemicals, even if they are not directly lethal, can impair bees’ foraging and reproductive abilities. “Even minor impairments can cumulatively weaken populations,” Dr. Jowett warns. “All these small setbacks are contributing to the overall declines.”
While commercial fruit production has not yet been severely impacted by declining wild bee populations—thanks to the ability of farmers to introduce hives of domesticated honeybees into their orchards—this solution adds to production costs, which may eventually be passed on to consumers, explains Dr. Richard Comont, Science Manager at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Home Front
As individuals, there are several proactive steps we can take to assist bees and other pollinators in their recovery. One effective strategy is to purchase fruits and vegetables that carry the LEAF Marque accreditation, indicating that the farms adhere to specific sustainable farming practices, including being friendly to pollinators.
For those with gardens, creating bee-friendly environments can significantly help. This can be achieved by planting a variety of pollinator-friendly flowers, allowing patches of grass to remain unmown, and setting up bee hotels, like the one I have. While you may find expensive bee hotels available in stores and garden centers, it’s simple to create your own at home. One method involves drilling holes into an old log; bees will lay their eggs inside, sealing them with mud. Be sure to make the holes as deep as possible, as woodpeckers might otherwise consume any exposed larvae.
Another option is to bundle a group of bamboo canes or hollow, woody plant stalks inside a large soft-drink bottle with the bottom removed. Once assembled, place it in a south-facing area to ensure it receives ample sunlight. You can find more information about constructing bee hotels and participate in a citizen science project tracking their usage through a website managed by Professor Dave Goulson, a bee ecologist at the University of Sussex. “There are approximately 22 million private gardens in the UK,” he points out. “If each of these gardens featured bee-friendly flowers or a bee hotel, we would create a national network of supportive habitats for bees.”
I’ve Also Written
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are one of the most pressing health threats we face today. Here’s an exploration of how medical professionals are tackling this issue and what it could mean for you.
I’ve Been Reading
Marian Keyes is one of my favorite authors, and I recently finished My Favourite Mistake, the latest installment in her beloved saga about the Walsh family, which was released in paperback last month. It had me laughing, crying, and I couldn’t put it down, finishing it in just three days. While it’s not strictly a series, I highly recommend reading these books in order, starting with Watermelon.
