Honeybee Deaths Are Surging in ‘Alarming’ Numbers: ‘Something Real Bad is Going On’

Honeybee Deaths Surge Alarmingly in the United States

In a concerning trend, honeybee populations are experiencing a steep decline in the United States, as reported by a recent survey of beekeepers. The nonprofit organisation Project Apis m. revealed that commercial beekeepers in the country documented an average loss of 62% of their bee colonies. The survey, which gathered data from 702 beekeepers representing around 1.8 million bee colonies, paints a distressing picture as it accounts for approximately 68% of the nation’s bee population.

Scott McArt, an associate professor of entomology at Cornell University, voiced his unease about the current state of bee populations in an interview with The Guardian, stating, “Something real bad is going on this year.” McArt highlighted that the situation of bee loss is deteriorating, with certain regions experiencing devastating losses that have led to a deficiency in pollination in almond orchards. The associate professor warned of potential cascading impacts on other crops if the issue persists.

Notably, entomologists from Washington State University recently projected that commercial honeybee colony losses could potentially spike up to 70% in the U.S. throughout 2025, showing a significant 20% increase from previous years. Priya Chakrabarti Basu, an assistant professor of pollinator health and apiculture at WSU, attributed the declines in colony numbers to various factors such as nutrition deficiencies, infestations, diseases, and exposure to pesticides.

Blake Shook, a prominent beekeeper in the U.S., disclosed to CBS Saturday Morning in March that his businesses had suffered losses of “tens of thousands” of bees. Shook indicated that the current situation marked the worst recorded bee loss in history. He emphasised that if this decline in bee populations persists, it will inevitably alter the way food is consumed in the United States. Highlighting the critical role of honeybees in pollinating almond trees, Shook underscored that the industry’s survival hinges on the continued health of bee populations.

The significance of honeybees in the U.S. agricultural landscape is undeniable. Although not native to the country, they play a vital role in pollinating crops valued at $15 billion annually nationwide, as stated by the USDA. Furthermore, honeybees are responsible for producing honey, aligning with their essential role in ecosystems and food production.

The decline in honeybee populations poses a significant threat not only to the environment but also to the agricultural sector and food production in the United States. Urgent measures and close monitoring are crucial to address the complex issues contributing to the alarming bee losses. With collaborative efforts from researchers, beekeepers, policymakers, and the public, it is hoped that steps can be taken to safeguard the future of honeybee populations and ensure the sustainability of ecosystems and food resources.