Badgers Threaten Honey Production in Peto, Yucatán, Adding to Beekeepers’ Woes

Peto, Yucatán — Beekeepers in southern Yucatán are facing a new crisis as badgers damage hives, compounding existing challenges from climate, pests, and declining bee populations that have already strained honey production.

Producers report that badgers constantly prowl apiaries in search of food, causing significant damage and sometimes total loss of hives, directly impacting the economy of dozens of families dedicated to beekeeping.

Local beekeeper Anselmo Várguez explained that while the season has shown some recovery thanks to recent rains, the presence of badgers has generated concern among producers as attacks have become more frequent.

He indicated that the animals destroy boxes to feed on honey and bees, rendering hives useless and representing significant losses for beekeepers.

Other producers in the area mentioned that this problem adds to the difficulties already facing the sector, such as weather impacts, pests, and the decrease in bee populations.

Despite honey production being in its peak season, beekeepers warned that if this situation is not addressed, damage could increase in the coming weeks.

Local producer Julián Canul explained that while the season has restored hope to beekeepers by representing an important economic income, production remains lower compared to previous years, generating concern in the sector.

“Even though honey trees like chucum and dzidzilché have bloomed, the amount of honey that can be extracted is less, to the point that previously full drums were filled, while currently only barrels are barely collected, reflecting the decrease in the bee population,” lamented the producer.

He added that, unlike in the past, hives now also face pests like varroa mites and beetles, diseases that affect bees and are more difficult to combat, further complicating beekeeping in this part of the state.