It’s a growing crisis for bees across Europe and beyond
The decline of the European bee has drawn attention to a serious threat: the Varroa destructor mite, an Asian parasite that entered many ecosystems years ago. Leading experts warned the Efe agency that in a few years a hive could collapse if the mite develops resistance to the acaricides currently used in Spain and elsewhere, complicating control efforts.
The parasite behaves somewhat like a tick, but it is much smaller. It clings to the bees’ bodies, siphoning off fat reserves and spreading a disease called varroasis or varroosis. This condition deforms wings, abdomens, or legs, reduces weight, and helps transmit various pathogens that threaten colony health.
To fight Varroa, scientists have relied on fungicide-like compounds such as amitraz. Yet overuse has led to residues in honey well above what is legally permitted for consumption — a concern highlighted by researchers, who note that safe levels are about 200 mg per kilogram for honey products.
It breeds resistance to treatments
Analyses of honeys across Spain show a troubling trend: treatment effectiveness diminishes as mites adapt to amitraz. Consumers may not notice the change in color, taste, or texture, yet honey could contain pesticide levels that exceed legal limits, potentially rendering it unsellable in some cases.
One researcher emphasized that resistance is now a growing worry for beekeepers who depend on consistent, safe harvests. The situation underscores the need for careful stewardship of acaricides and ongoing monitoring of residue levels in hive products.
The resistance problem is alarming. A microbiologist and pesticide expert notes that current synthetic acaricides beyond tau fluvalinate, coumaphos, or amitraz offer limited effectiveness against varroosis, leaving beekeepers with shrinking options.
According to the microbiologist, the core issue lies in repeated and inappropriate use of treatments by some manufacturers who assume products will work indefinitely. A potential solution discussed is rotating mid-season strategies and considering alternatives to amitraz, which has seen long-term use.
Varroasis also compounds other dangers for bees, including pesticide exposure and climate-related stress. Extreme weather events should not be treated as a substitute for mite control in crops, and these pressures threaten not only pollinators but honey production and the broader beekeeping sector.
Lack of rain and pollen supply
Elvira García, a beekeeper and producer of homemade and organic honey from the Montes de Toledo region, faces the challenge of excessive herbicides and the demanding work involved in steep terrain. She notes that dry and cooler conditions can alter flowering patterns, limiting nectar and pollen availability.
This season’s pollen was scarce due to a hot summer and little rainfall. The beekeeper warns of a campaign marked by uncertainty for the upcoming spring, urging careful planning and community support for local beekeepers.
Luis Navarro, a biology professor at the University of Vigo and participant in the LIFE4Pollinators project, cites scientific studies showing that unusually high temperatures and scarce water sources force foraging bees to work harder. This drains energy and reduces their efficiency in collecting nectar and pollinating crops.
The discussion continues with ongoing research and practical field work aimed at safeguarding pollinators and sustaining beekeeping livelihoods in different regions.
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