A groundbreaking study has revealed that bee supplements can significantly boost the chances of honeybees surviving extreme cold temperatures, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of an escalating climate crisis. Research led by Dr Najmeh Sahebzadeh found that worker bees fed a specific mixture of probiotics and inulin survived prolonged exposure to low temperatures, while those on a standard sugar diet struggled.
The study, which observed worker bees' reactions to cold conditions, demonstrated that supplements were most effective at temperatures between -10C and 0C. However, in laboratory tests conducted at 40C, all bees perished within days, regardless of their diet, although those receiving higher supplement doses did survive marginally longer.
Temperature extremes are increasingly prevalent globally due to climate change caused by fossil fuel combustion. While the link between climate change and unusual cold is complex, the study's findings are significant for managed bee colonies, particularly during challenging periods like winter when bees rely on stored resources.
Peter Graystock, assistant professor in human and animal health at Imperial College London, noted that microbes could play a vital role in helping bees adapt to climate shifts. He highlighted that winter poses one of the greatest risks to honeybee colonies, making any nutritional support that aids survival through cold periods particularly valuable.
Both researchers and independent experts, including Professor Giles Budge from Newcastle University, cautioned that the study was conducted on isolated caged bees, which cannot replicate complex colony behaviours such as fanning their wings to circulate air. These responses can intervene before thermal stress leads to mortality in outdoor colonies.
The researchers stressed that supplementation should not be seen as a replacement for broader conservation efforts, and experts agreed that addressing underlying issues like shrinking forage, fragmented habitats, and pesticide exposure is crucial. Improving floral diversity and countryside management would reduce bees' reliance on artificial feeding, allowing them to access natural, nutritious food sources.