The Critical Role of Honey Bees and Emerging Threats to Their Health

Around one-third of all food produced globally relies on insect pollination, and honey bees are central to this process. From apples and berries to nuts and seeds, these pollinators are vital to our food supply. Honey bees carry out an estimated 80% of insect pollination supporting our food production, making them one of the most important species in global agriculture [1]. Without them, crop yields would decline significantly, and some crops might not grow at all.

The Importance of Bee Pollination

Pollination isn’t just about enabling crop growth; it also enhances the quality of produce. Bee-pollinated crops often exhibit better fruit development, higher yields, and more reliable harvests. Maintaining healthy bee populations is therefore crucial for both farmers and the broader economy. The agricultural benefit of honey bees is estimated to be between 10 and 20 times the total value of honey and beeswax, accounting for approximately $15 billion in added crop value [4].

Emerging Threats to Honey Bee Colonies

Despite their importance, honey bee colonies face growing threats, including pests capable of destroying entire populations. Two pests are currently raising significant concern among beekeepers: the slight hive beetle and the Asian bee mite.

Small Hive Beetle

The small hive beetle is a parasite that invades honey bee colonies, feeding on brood, honey, and pollen. This activity damages the hive structure and causes honey to ferment, weakening the colony and potentially leading to its collapse.

Asian Bee Mite

The Asian bee mite is another emerging threat, attacking developing bee larvae inside the hive. These mites weaken the bees and can spread diseases throughout the colony. Westport Beekeepers suggest the Asian bee mite could potentially cause even greater damage than the Varroa destructor mite, which significantly impacted Irish beekeeping after its arrival in the late 1990s.

The Spread of Pests and the Impact of Varroa Destructor

The Varroa mite first appeared in the Republic of Ireland in 1998 and reached Northern Ireland in 2002, spreading rapidly across the island and decimating most wild honey bee colonies. Today, beekeepers must regularly treat their hives to control the mite. A major concern is that pests often spread through human activity, such as the import of bees or the transportation of hives between countries. The small hive beetle originated in sub-Saharan Africa and has since spread to North America, Australia, and parts of Europe, impacting European honeybees, which lack the natural defenses of African honeybees.

Protecting Ireland’s Bees: A Local Initiative

The Westport Beekeepers Association is actively working to mitigate these risks by encouraging the use of locally bred bees rather than importing them from abroad. This approach helps prevent the introduction of novel pests and supports the conservation of Ireland’s native honeybee, Apis mellifera mellifera, which is well-suited to the local climate. The association is offering free local virgin queen bees and discounted starter colonies to qualified local beekeepers to reduce reliance on imported bees and prevent the spread of pests.

A Wider Issue: The Importance of Bee Conservation

The threats facing honeybees extend beyond the concerns of beekeepers. Because pollination is fundamental to global agriculture, the health of bee populations affects everyone. Without bees, many familiar foods would become scarce or more expensive, and agricultural systems would face disruption. Protecting honeybees is therefore essential for safeguarding our food supply and the environment.

Local beekeepers interested in participating in the Westport Beekeepers Association initiative can contact Alex Blackwell on 087-624-3907 or via email at aleria57@gmail.com. Applicants must have completed a beginner’s beekeeping course. Requests should be submitted in early March to allow for breeding planning.

For those working to protect Ireland’s bees, the message is clear: looking after honeybees means looking after our food and our environment.