What are increased pest and disease susceptibility in bees a result of?

Increased pest and disease susceptibility in bees can be significantly influenced by the effects of climate change. As climate patterns shift, they can lead to alterations in habitats and the availability of food sources, making bees more vulnerable to various stressors. For instance, rising temperatures may create favorable conditions for pests and pathogens, allowing them to thrive and spread more easily among bee populations. Additionally, erratic weather patterns can disrupt the life cycles of both bees and their natural enemies, further compounding the risk factors for disease transmission.

While other factors like environmental conditions and pollination efforts do play a role in the overall health of bee populations, they do not directly link to the increased susceptibility to pests and diseases caused specifically by changes in climate. Enhanced hive conditions can improve bee health and resilience, but they may not sufficiently counteract the broader impacts of climate change. Thus, recognizing climate change as a critical factor allows beekeepers to adopt more targeted management practices to mitigate its effects on bee health.