Why Honeybees Face a Nectar Crunch Every August
What Happened
Researchers from the University of Sussex found that honeybees struggle the most to collect nectar in late July and August, using a new method that directly measured the energy bees spend versus the energy they gain while foraging. The study, conducted in and around Brighton and Edinburgh, found that food shortages were most severe during this period.
Key Takeaways
The research suggests that late summer becomes challenging because fewer flowers are in bloom while more pollinators compete for available nectar. Scientists say planting late-summer flowering plants and allowing wildflowers such as thistle, ragwort and knapweed to grow could help support bees when food is scarcest.