Crisis Unfolding in Apiculture
Beekeepers across the United States are facing a crisis. The 2023-24 beekeeping season has witnessed a dramatic increase in colony losses, posing significant threats to pollination, agriculture, and biodiversity. A staggering 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were reported as lost during the survey year (April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024). As honey bee populations continue to decline, understanding the causes and seeking sustainable solutions has never been more urgent.
Figure 1. Seasonal managed Apis mellifera honey bee colony loss rates in the United States across years (A), and by operation type (B-D): backyard (managing up to 50 colonies), sideline (managing 51-500 colonies), and commercial (managing >500 colonies) beekeepers. The loss rate was calculated as the total number of colonies lost divided by the number of colonies at risk during the season. Colonies at risk were composed of living colonies at the start of a period, as well as new colonies made or acquired, while excluding colonies sold or parted with. Annual loss covers the whole period from April 1 to the next April 1 (in red); summer (April 1 for backyard or date of the first split reported for sideline and commercial – October 1, in yellow); winter (October 1 – April 1, in blue). Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval obtained from a bootstrap resampling of the data (n-out-of-n, 1000 rep). Note: Data shown from 2008 to 2023 were collected and published previously by the Bee Informed Partnership, University of Maryland, and Auburn University (lighter, transparent color). Source: apiaryinspectors.org
The Alarming Statistics
According to the 2023-2024 U.S. Beekeeping Survey conducted by the Apiary Inspectors of America and Auburn University, colony losses have reached unprecedented levels:
- Summer 2023 Losses (April 1 – October 1, 2023): Beekeepers reported a 30.4% loss of managed colonies, which is 7.6 percentage points higher than the 13-year average summer loss of 22.8%.
- Winter 2023-2024 Losses (October 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024): The survey indicated a 37.3% loss, exceeding the 16-year average winter loss of 28.8% by 8.5 percentage points. This marks the third-highest winter loss rate since the survey's inception in 2008.
- Annual Losses (April 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024): The total annual loss was reported at 55.1%, the highest since 2010-2011, and 14.8 percentage points above the 13-year average annual loss rate of 40.3%.
These numbers mark one of the highest loss rates in recent history, exacerbating concerns over long-term colony sustainability. Commercial and hobbyist beekeepers alike are grappling with the devastating impacts, as losses not only affect honey production but also the stability of essential crop pollination services.
Figure 2. Colony loss rates (%) of managed Apis mellifera honey bee colonies in states, territories, and districts of the United States during 2023–2024. Green and orange colors represent loss rates below and above 30%, respectively. The grey color indicates that results are redacted for those states, territories, and districts that had fewer than 10 respondents during a season. MSO: multi-state operation; NCU: non-continental U.S. (American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau and the U.S. Virgin Islands). MSO were counted in each state in which they reported owning colonies but were also reported as a separate subgroup.
Source: apiaryinspectors.org
The Ripple Effect: Why It Matters
The decline in honey bee colonies is not just a beekeeper’s problem—it has far-reaching consequences for the entire agricultural sector. Honey bees contribute to the pollination of over 80% of flowering plants, including many fruits, nuts, and vegetables that form the backbone of the American diet. Without a robust bee population, crop yields decline, food prices rise, and ecological imbalances increase.
Figure 3. The impact of losing honey bees from our food supply.
Source: Whole Foods
Key Factors Driving Colony Losses
Several factors contribute to the surging colony losses, with a combination of environmental and biological threats at play:
- Varroa Mite Infestations: The parasitic Varroa destructor remains the single greatest threat to honey bee colonies, spreading deadly viruses and weakening hives beyond recovery.
- Pesticide Exposure: Neonicotinoids and other pesticides continue to impact bee health, impairing foraging ability and increasing mortality rates.
- Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns, extreme temperature fluctuations, and prolonged droughts have disrupted nectar and pollen availability, stressing colonies to the point of collapse.
- Habitat Loss: Urbanization and industrial agriculture have reduced the diversity and abundance of wildflowers, depriving bees of essential forage resources.
- Poor Nutrition & Monoculture Farming: Large-scale crop cultivation often lacks the floral diversity necessary to support healthy bee populations, leaving them nutritionally deficient.
What Can Be Done?
To mitigate these alarming colony losses, a multi-faceted approach is needed:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Beekeepers must adopt advanced strategies to control Varroa mites while minimizing chemical treatments that may harm bee health.
- Pesticide Policy Reforms: Strengthening regulations on harmful pesticides and promoting bee-friendly alternatives is crucial.
- Climate Adaptation Measures: Supporting resilient beekeeping practices, such as supplemental feeding during droughts and protecting hives from extreme weather conditions, can reduce losses.
- Restoring Forage Habitat: Planting pollinator-friendly flora and expanding conservation efforts can provide bees with better nutrition and resilience.
- Public Awareness & Research Investment: Continued investment in research and beekeeper education will foster innovation in colony management and long-term solutions.
A Call to Action
The future of U.S. beekeeping hinges on collective action. Farmers, policymakers, scientists, and the general public must work together to implement strategies that protect pollinators. Whether through policy changes, conservation initiatives, or supporting local beekeepers, every effort counts toward reversing the decline of honey bee populations.
As we navigate the 2024-25 season and beyond, one thing remains clear: without bees, our food systems and ecosystems face an uncertain future. Now is the time to act.
For a detailed analysis and further information, please refer to the full survey report available on the Apiary Inspectors of America's website. (apiaryinspectors.org).
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