Virus-hit honey bee queens spark rebellion as workers sense weakness

Virus-Hit Queens Lose Control, Forcing Worker Bees to Rebel (Image: Canva)

A quiet shift may be unfolding inside many beehives, as new research suggests virus-infected honey bee queens could be losing authority faster than expected. The finding raises fresh questions about queen stability and colony health across managed hives.

Viral infections and queen decline
Scientists at the University of British Columbia found viral infections can severely weaken honey bee queens. The infections shrink queen ovaries and reduce key pheromone output. That pheromone, called methyl oleate, helps keep worker bees loyal. Low pheromone levels signal workers that the queen is failing. Dr. Leonard Foster said infected queens lay fewer eggs daily.

He added reduced pheromone output appears to trigger worker attempts to replace their queen. This process, called supersedure, often disrupts managed hives. It forces beekeepers to cope with sudden falloffs in hive productivity. Bees pollinate large shares of global crops each year. Queen failure can therefore influence important food systems worldwide.

Synthetic pheromones for hive stability
Researchers tested synthetic pheromones containing methyl oleate in real hives. The trials suggested treated colonies avoided unnecessary queen replacement. Dr Foster said this method could help beekeepers maintain steadier hives. He noted supersedure often creates heavy costs.

Adding methyl oleate during peak seasons may keep colonies calm. It may also support sustained egg-laying periods. This targeted approach gives beekeepers more control. It may improve honey yields or pollination output when stability matters.

Varroa mites and viral spread
The study also highlighted the role of varroa mites. These pests spread viruses to queens within managed colonies. They feed on bee haemolymph and weaken entire hives. Dr. Alison McAfee urged beekeepers to keep mite levels low. She said queen health depends greatly on early mite control.

Varroa mites remain a persistent threat worldwide. Many hives struggle with infections linked to mite activity. Better mite management may prevent queen decline. It may also limit the chain of events that ends with supersedure.