Magnetic disc enhances resilience and over-winter survival of honeybees (Apis mellifera).

Abstract

Honeybee losses continue to threaten ecological and agricultural stability worldwide. This field study evaluated whether a static neodymium magnetic disc placed beneath beehives could enhance colony resilience and overwinter survival. Two commercial apiaries (≈60 hives total) under identical management in Ontario, Canada, were monitored in late summer 2023, spring 2024 and after a mid‑season partial crossover in August 2024. One yard received magnetic discs, while the second served as control. Treated hives (i.e. with magnets) compared with the control hives exhibited significantly higher overwinter survival, stronger spring populations, better hygiene and fewer queen replacements than controls (p < 0.001). After discs were added to the control yard, colony performance improved within 8 weeks, reaching parity with the initially treated hives. Static magnetic arrays positioned beneath hives appear to enhance colony health and stability, possibly through modulation of bioelectromagnetic or redox processes known to influence cellular energy metabolism. Although magnetic modulation of bioenergetic and redox processes is hypothesized, direct electrical or biochemical measurements were not performed and should be prioritized in future studies. This approach provides a simple, low-cost intervention to improve apicultural outcomes and pollinator resilience. Future studies could investigate the effectiveness of these magnets in areas with known environmental stressors.