Can Mushrooms Help Bees?

Writer: Claudia Macleay
2 min read

The Varroa destructor mite is one of the biggest threats to honeybee survival worldwide. These tiny parasites attach to bees, feed on their fat stores, weaken their immune systems, and spread deadly viruses throughout the hive. Conventional chemical treatments can lead to resistance and leave residues in honey and wax. But recent research from Türkiye points to a surprising new ally: Fomes fomentarius, a mushroom better known for growing on decaying wood than saving pollinators.

A Mushroom-Based Treatment That Works

In a study led by Mustafa Güneşdoğdu, scientists tested three formulations of Fomes fomentarius to combat Varroa destructor: smoke fumigation, a liquid dribble, and a topical gel. All three treatments reduced mite numbers, with the gel proving the most effective—achieving over 72% mite mortality in just two weeks. Even better, the treatments had no negative impacts on colony size or brood health.

This finding builds on growing interest in using fungi for pest control. Fomes fomentarius has a long history in traditional medicine and is known to produce compounds with antiviral, antimicrobial, and acaricidal effects. Its use in hives could offer a chemical-free, sustainable solution for beekeepers fighting resistant mite populations.

A Health Boost for the Whole Hive

The benefits didn’t stop at mite reduction. Colonies treated with the mushroom also showed improved brood health, livelier worker bees, and more stable hive temperatures. These signs suggest Fomes fomentarius might do more than kill mites—it could be boosting bee immunity or helping them handle environmental stress.

This echoes earlier research from Paul Stamets and Washington State University, which found that extracts from Fomes fomentarius and Ganoderma resinaceum reduced viral loads in honeybees. That 2018 study pointed to fungal compounds as immune system modulators with the potential to make bees more resilient overall.

Why It Matters

With nearly half of U.S. honeybee colonies lost in the 2022–2023 winter, beekeepers need new tools that don’t rely on synthetic chemicals. Natural fungal treatments like Fomes fomentarius are a promising step toward sustainable, residue-free hive care.

As climate stress, habitat loss, and disease continue to pressure pollinators, this humble mushroom could become a powerful piece of the solution. It’s not a cure-all—but it might be part of a better, more balanced future for bees.

Read the full study HERE