Bees play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agricultural production through their pollination services. They contribute to the growth of various fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Observing a struggling bee can be concerning, and understanding the indicators of a bee in distress helps determine if intervention is appropriate. This article provides insights into recognizing the signs of a declining bee and outlines practical steps to assist them.
Recognizing the Signs
Identifying a struggling bee involves observing specific physical and behavioral cues. A bee exhibiting sluggish or uncoordinated movements, struggling to lift off the ground, or walking weakly, may be in decline. Damaged or tattered wings are common indicators, often leading to an inability to fly. Bees nearing the end of their lifespan, particularly worker bees, may display a loss of body hair, appearing shiny and dark, and their wings might be ragged.
Behavioral changes can also signal distress. A bee might be seen trembling, quivering, or exhibiting paralysis. Disoriented circling or excessive crawling on the ground are other abnormal behaviors indicating an underlying issue, such as disease or exposure to toxins. Sometimes, a bee may be found on its back, struggling to right itself. Bees infected with certain viruses, like Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus, might appear dark, hairless, greasy, and shiver their wings.
The appearance of a bee’s tongue sticking out when it expires can be a sign of pesticide poisoning. A lack of self-grooming, a typically fastidious behavior for bees, can point to severe distress or illness.
Common Reasons Bees Decline
Bees face numerous challenges that can lead to their decline, from natural processes to environmental stressors. One common reason is the natural end of their lifespan; worker bees, for instance, typically live only a few weeks during active foraging seasons. Male bees also have a limited purpose of fertilization before they naturally expire.
Diseases and parasites pose significant threats to bee health. Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are external parasites that feed on bees, weakening them and transmitting various viruses, such as Deformed Wing Virus. Another internal parasite, the tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi), infests the bee’s respiratory system, impairing oxygen exchange. Bacterial diseases like American foulbrood and fungal infections such as chalkbrood can harm bee larvae and colonies. Viruses, including Acute Bee Paralysis Virus and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus, also contribute to colony decline, often with mite infestations.
Pesticide exposure, both acute and chronic, is a factor in bee decline. Insecticides, including neonicotinoids, can harm bees directly through contact or ingestion of contaminated pollen and nectar. These chemicals can impair bees’ navigation, coordination, reproduction, and weaken their immune systems. Pesticide residues can persist in the environment, affecting multiple generations and leading to reduced population growth.
Malnutrition or starvation contributes to bee decline, often linked to habitat loss and reduced floral diversity. A lack of sufficient and varied nectar and pollen sources can lead to nutritional deficiencies, making bees more susceptible to diseases and pesticides. Extreme weather conditions, such as prolonged cold spells or excessive heat, can stress bees, impacting their ability to forage and survive.
Responding to a Struggling Bee
When encountering a struggling bee, a gentle approach is advised, as not all can be saved. If a bee appears lethargic or slow-moving but otherwise intact, it might simply be exhausted or cold. To help, carefully move the bee to a nearby flower, ideally in a sunny spot, allowing it to warm up and access nectar. Bees need to reach a certain body temperature to fly, and direct sunlight assists this process.
If no flowers are available, offering a sugar water solution can provide an energy boost. To prepare, mix two tablespoons of white granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water until dissolved. Use plain white sugar, not brown sugar, honey, or other sweeteners, as these can contain harmful compounds or diseases for bees. Place a few drops of the solution on a non-absorbent surface, like a leaf or small plate, near the bee’s head. A bee’s tongue will extend into the mixture if it is drinking.
It is generally best to observe from a distance and avoid excessive handling of wild bees. If a bee has visibly damaged wings, is writhing uncontrollably, or appears to be at the end of its natural life, intervention may not be effective. In such cases, allowing nature to take its course is often the best option. For widespread bee issues or concerns about colony health, contacting local beekeepers or entomologists might be appropriate, as they can assess the situation and offer specialized guidance.