Dry spring in B.C. may be stressing bees and reducing honey flow

A drierthannormal spring in British Columbia may be affecting bees by changing the flowers they depend on for food and nesting conditions. Researchers and beekeepers say drought can make soils harder for groundnesting bees to dig through and can reduce the amount and quality of nectar and pollen available. Experts also say droughtstressed plants may become less visible and less attractive to pollinators because their scent, colour, and nectar output can change. That can make it harder for native bees and honey bees to find food, and may affect bee health and growth over the season. Beekeepers in the North Okanagan say they are waiting to see how the spring dry spell will affect honey production when the main honey flow begins in the coming weeks. Scientists and local growers suggest planting a wide range of native flowers across the season to help support both wild and managed bees.