An Analysis of Northwestern Pennsylvania Beekeeping Challenges and Potential Solutions

Hindle, Emily

An Analysis of Northwestern Pennsylvania Beekeeping Challenges and Potential Solutions

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10456/59185

Author(s)

Hindle, Emily

Date Issued

May 1, 2025

Abstract

Honeybees are a vital part of nature and human life and are incredibly important pollinators.In recent years, the beekeeping industry has been rapidly declining due to climate change, changing weather patterns, and parasites. As these issues increase in severity, beekeepers find it more and more difficult to maintain healthy hives. Climate change can accelerate parasites and diseases, which pose a severe threat to honeybees. Many populations of species are declining severely due to issues such as changing climates and habitat loss. Population decline of honeybees in North America has been complex, with slow decline in some species and sharp declines in others. Seasonal shifts have been occurring in Northwestern Pennsylvania, leading to earlier springs and warmer winters. These changes in weather patterns have the potential to directly affect Northwestern Pennsylvania beekeepers and the health of their hives.To gain an understanding of these potentially damaging factors, beekeepers were surveyed through Google Forms, and a physical survey was distributed as well.. The survey was distributed to beekeepers of Northwestern Pennsylvania to understand the issues they are facing as well as methods they are taking to adapt to these changes. Through the responses received, it was found that climate change is only a mild concern amongst beekeepers, and there are very few beekeepers experiencing any negative effects on their hive productivity and survival.

Major

Environmental Science and Sustainability

First Reader(s)

Pearce, Kelly