Research from the University of Sussex indicates that allowing weeds to grow during late summer can provide vital support to honeybees facing nectar shortages. The study, published in the journal Functional Ecology, examined the changes in energy expenditure and intake experienced by honeybees throughout the foraging season.

The researchers found that honeybees encounter the most significant food scarcity in late July and August, a period when natural nectar sources decline. To quantify this, the team directly measured the balance between the energy bees use to gather food and the energy they obtain from nectar. Their analysis revealed that the availability of nectar for honeybees diminishes substantially during this late summer period.

Co-author Dr. Ciaran Harris emphasized the potential benefits of leaving late-blooming weeds untreated, particularly during heatwaves when plant growth and flowering patterns can be disrupted. Harris suggested that postponing the removal of such vegetation may help maintain nectar supplies at a critical time for honeybee survival.

This research highlights the ecological importance of certain wild plants, often considered undesirable weeds, in sustaining pollinator populations. Given the vital role honeybees play in agriculture and ecosystems, these findings may inform strategies aimed at supporting pollinator health during vulnerable seasonal phases.