New research reveals that worker honey bees can detect viral infections in their queens through changes in pheromones, prompting them to overthrow and replace her. This discovery, published in late 2025, explains many colony losses and offers hope for beekeepers facing ongoing hive collapses.
The Shocking Discovery in Bee Behavior
Scientists at the University of British Columbia uncovered how viruses weaken queen bees, altering their chemical signals and triggering worker revolts. The study shows that infected queens produce fewer pheromones, which workers interpret as a sign of poor health.
This leads to the colony’s decision to supersede the queen, a process where workers raise a new one and eliminate the old. Beekeepers have long reported queen failures as a top reason for hive deaths, and this research links it directly to infections.
Field trials in the study tested synthetic pheromones to mimic healthy queen signals. Results showed these blends could prevent untimely revolts, helping maintain stable colonies.
The findings come at a critical time, with global bee populations under threat from multiple factors like pests and climate change.
Rising Colony Losses Worldwide
Honey bee colonies continue to suffer high winter losses, with recent surveys showing alarming rates. In Canada, beekeepers lost about 36 percent of their 830,000 colonies over the 2024-2025 winter, according to national data.
Similar patterns appear in the United States, where losses reached up to 50 percent in some regions last year. Europe reports comparable declines, with varroa mites and viruses playing key roles.
These losses threaten food production, as bees pollinate crops worth billions annually. Without intervention, experts warn of impacts on fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Beekeepers are adapting by monitoring queen health more closely, but viral infections remain hard to detect early.
- Common viruses affecting queens include deformed wing virus and black queen cell virus.
- These pathogens spread through mites or contaminated food, weakening the queen’s fertility.
- Workers respond by balling the queen, surrounding and overheating her to death.
How Infections Trigger Bee Revolts
Viruses invade the queen’s body, reducing her energy and egg-laying capacity. This drop in productivity changes her pheromone profile, which acts like a status update to the hive.
Workers, sensing the shift, stop supporting the queen and start nurturing larvae to create a replacement. The process ensures colony survival but often leads to overall hive stress.
Research highlights that healthy queens lay up to 2,000 eggs daily, while infected ones manage far fewer. This fertility decline is a red flag for workers.
In experiments, infected queens had pheromone levels 20 to 30 percent lower than healthy ones. Synthetic versions restored worker loyalty in test hives.
Logical reasoning suggests this mechanism evolved to protect the colony from spreading weakness. Yet in modern beekeeping, it contributes to frequent collapses.
Potential Solutions for Beekeepers
The study proposes practical tools like pheromone supplements to stabilize hives. Beekeepers could apply these in spring to prevent revolts during peak seasons.
Other strategies include better virus control through mite treatments and selective breeding for resistant bees.
Here’s a table summarizing key mitigation approaches:
| Strategy | Description | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Pheromone Blends | Synthetic chemicals mimicking healthy queen signals | Reduces revolt risk by 40-50% in trials |
| Mite Control | Regular treatments against varroa mites | Lowers virus transmission rates |
| Queen Monitoring | Routine checks for infection signs | Early detection prevents full colony loss |
| Biosecurity | Hive hygiene and quarantine practices | Limits spread between colonies |
Implementing these could cut losses significantly, based on ongoing field data.
Experts recommend combining methods for best results. For instance, pairing pheromone use with mite control has shown promise in small-scale tests.
Impact on Global Food Security
Bee declines affect more than honey production; they jeopardize pollination services essential for agriculture. Crops like almonds, apples, and berries rely heavily on bees.
Recent events, such as the 2025 U.S. bee loss survey reporting record highs, underscore the urgency. Climate shifts and pesticide use compound the problem.
In response, governments are funding research, with initiatives in the EU and North America aiming to boost bee health.
This new understanding of queen infections could lead to targeted interventions, preserving bee populations for future generations.
Why This Matters Now
With bee losses persisting into 2025, this research provides timely insights. It shifts focus from symptoms to root causes, empowering beekeepers worldwide.
As colonies face ongoing threats, staying informed helps everyone support pollinator health.
Share this article if you found it helpful, and comment below with your thoughts on bee conservation. What steps can we take to protect these vital insects?
