Honeybees Outcompete Wild Pollinators for Food Resources 2026

Honeybees are outcompeting wild pollinators for resources, aggressively bumping into them and chasing them away from flowers, according to a new study. The research, conducted by Anglia Ruskin University, found that areas with higher concentrations of honeybees had fewer wild pollinators, such as bumblebees, solitary bees, and hoverflies. Honeybees were also most likely to instigate and win competitive interactions, pushing out rivals to collect more pollen and nectar.

Rise in Managed Honeybees

The number of managed honeybee colonies has risen significantly in the UK, driven by public campaigns to “save the bees.” According to the National Bee Unit, the number of registered beekeepers has more than doubled from 19,000 in 2010 to 47,000 in 2025. While well-intentioned, this boom in hobbyist beekeeping may be harming wild pollinators by increasing competition for food and spreading diseases, especially in areas with fewer flowers or high hive density.

Study Details

To better understand this competition, researchers observed pollinators over a two-year period in Cambridgeshire as they foraged on bramble and ivy near honeybee colonies. The study documented the outcomes of 300 interactions among five groups: honeybees, bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies, and other flower visitors. The results showed that honeybees initiated most of the aggressive encounters and usually displaced the other pollinators.

Impact on Wild Pollinators

Wild pollinators, including bumblebees and solitary bees, are essential for ecosystem health and biodiversity. They pollinate many wild plants and crops, often more effectively than honeybees. However, with increasing honeybee densities, these wild species face reduced access to floral resources, which can lead to population declines. This is particularly concerning in areas where floral resources are limited.

Comparison of Pollinator Groups

Key Takeaways

• Honeybees aggressively outcompete wild pollinators for pollen and nectar.
• Managed honeybee colonies have more than doubled in the UK since 2010.
• Wild pollinators like bumblebees and solitary bees face reduced food access and population declines.
• High hive density can spread diseases to wild pollinators.
• Conservation efforts should consider the balance between managed and wild pollinators.

What Can Be Done?

While honeybees are important for agriculture, it's crucial to support wild pollinators too. Gardeners and land managers can plant a variety of native flowers to provide diverse foraging resources, avoid overcrowding hives, and create habitats for wild bees and other pollinators. Public campaigns should emphasize the importance of all pollinators, not just honeybees.

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