FIELDS BEES DON’T LIKE

Not grassy ones but electric ones. It seems weak electric fields escaping as pollution from power lines are adversely affecting honeybee foraging[1]. Given the huge numbers of pylons around the country carrying high tension cables that emit electric fields, this is thought to be affecting bee behaviour widely. Bees, including bumblebees and other important pollinator insects, can detect electric fields with their antennae, and they respond to them. However, the concern is that, instead of using this innate ability to help them locate nectar-rich flowers, the bees are confused by the proximity of electric fields from the power lines and so foraging and pollination efficiency is greatly reduced.

Researchers at the University of Bristol, examined how honeybees changed their behaviour under the influence of different sorts of electric field around a favourite flower (in this case catmint in an urban meadow). Weak AC (alternating current) electric fields simulating what high voltage power lines produce had an immediate and  dramatic effect – landings by bees on the test plant were reduced by 71% compared to a control. They also examined the effect of a DC (direct current) field and that reduced landings by 53%. Because it is thought that bee foraging on land affected by these electric fields is in the order of 70,000 km² in the UK, that is a very considerable worry. Worldwide, it is likely to be a huge problem.

[1] DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112550 iScinece.