Air pollution and honey bee aggression threaten pollinator food access

New research indicates that air pollution and competitive behavior from honey bees are significantly hindering the ability of pollinators to find and access food.

A study published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment found that air pollutants, specifically ozone and nitrogen oxides, degrade the scents emitted by flowers. Ozone pollution reduces pollinator performance by an average of 42%, while nitrogen oxides reduce it by approximately 46%. Combined, these pollutants can reduce performance by an average of 68%. The impact is particularly severe for specialist pollinators that rely heavily on specific plant scents.

Complementary research from Anglia Ruskin University highlights that honey bees also act as aggressive competitors. Observations near honey bee colonies in England showed that honey bees frequently chase, displace, and intimidate other insects, such as bumble bees, solitary bees, and hoverflies, to secure access to nectar and pollen. Locations with higher honey bee densities generally saw a decrease in the presence of other pollinator species.