Power lines make honey bees more violent

The scientists found that the honey bee Apis mellifera exposed to electromagnetic fields similar to the electromagnetic fields near the ground surface around power lines, which became more violent to each other. In addition, their training ability is significantly reduced.

According to PLOS One , the current flowing through the high voltage lines generated around them is quite strong electromagnetic field. Many animals can sense this, however, the effect of power lines on their behavior and condition is still little studied. This effect is also reflected in new experiments conducted by researcher Sebastian Shepherd and colleagues from the UK and the US.

The electric current flowing through the power lines creates around them quite a strong electromagnetic field - (Photo: Connell Electric Company, Inc).

The open spaces filled with flowers and herbs along the power lines are particularly attractive, but not safe for bees. According to the scientists, Apis mellifera honey bees in the lab come into contact with electromagnetic fields similar to those near the surface of the earth around power lines that have become more aggressive with each other. In addition, their training ability is significantly reduced.

In the experiments, healthy worker bees were exposed to fields with an inductance of between 100 and 1000 μT (units of magnetic induction intensity) for 17 hours - conditions that simulate nocturnal sleep. Usually insects in a nest are located below power lines at a height of 1 meter above the ground. After that, they were involved in testing. For example, they are taught to associate one of the floral fragments sets with unpleasant, weak electric shocks and record the number of times the bees need to make such a connection.

The scientists noted that in five attempts, half of the bees in the control group that had no contact with the electromagnetic field completed the test, while the index in the experimental group was exposed to the electromagnetic field. is less than 1/3. In addition, after " spending the night under power lines," insects become more aggressive and often attack each other.

This finding may indicate a reason but has not been appreciated, given the very alarming decline in the number of bees observed around the world. The process involves the use of neonicotinoid insecticides , the spread of parasitic ticks and other, obviously, other factors, including the laying of power lines.

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