Invertebrates

Bumblebee Colony Health and Pesticide Welfare

Bumblebees are social insects whose colony welfare is threatened by pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and introduced diseases.

Key Facts

Bumblebee colonies can contain 50-500 workers depending on species
Only queen bumblebees overwinter, starting new colonies each spring
Sublethal pesticide doses impair navigation, foraging, and reproduction
Global bumblebee populations have declined significantly in recent decades
They are critical pollinators for many food crops and wildflowers

Welfare Considerations

Bumblebees show signs of pain and stress responses, with evidence that they can feel something akin to fear. Pesticide exposure causes disorientation, learning impairment, and reduced ability to feed young. Queen bumblebees exposed to pesticides during hibernation have reduced colony founding success. Habitat fragmentation forces colonies to forage in suboptimal areas.

What You Can Do

Plant native wildflowers in your garden for bumblebee forage
Avoid neonicotinoid pesticides in your garden
Support organic farming practices
Advocate for pesticide regulations that protect pollinators