Lena Wehner, Dr. Stefan Berg on June 26, 2026 - 10:19 AM Heat stress in bee colonies: Drones…

Lena Wehner, Dr. Stefan Berg on June 26, 2026 - 10:19 AM Heat stress in bee colonies: Drones particularly affected High temperatures impact the hive climate, potentially degrading drone quality, which can affect their lifespan and fertility. © Lena Wehner, LWG The KliBi project tested various coatings and placements of metal covers to assess their effect on heat transfer within the hive. Climate change poses a global challenge to various ecosystems and species, including honeybees, which are affected by rising temperatures, drought, and shifts in flowering periods. While honeybees can respond to external factors like temperature and humidity to regulate hive conditions, their capacity is limited, placing significant stress on individual bees and the colony as a whole. The KliBi project by the State Institute for Wine and Horticulture (LWG) examined the climate change factors impacting beekeeping, revealing that drones are particularly sensitive to heat. However, simple beekeeping practices can alleviate some of this stress.