Honeybee Havoc: Nearly Half of US Colonies Gone, Yet Beekeepers Fight Back

 

- By Sentel 

Picture this: an army of tiny heroes, responsible for one-third of the food we eat, is under siege. And the villains? A sneaky army of parasitic mites, climate change, pesticides, and food shortages. Yet despite losing nearly half of their colonies last year, beekeepers are rising to the challenge, displaying resilience that even the bees themselves would be proud of.

The Honeybee Crisis: A shocking 48% of honeybee colonies in the U.S. were lost over the past year, marking the second highest death toll on record. While this is undoubtedly alarming, what’s even more fascinating is how beekeepers are managing to keep the overall population stable. Through intense measures—splitting hives, restocking queens, and purchasing starter colonies—these dedicated individuals are ensuring that bees remain buzzing.

But here's the kicker: despite losing almost half of their colonies, the honeybee population remains relatively steady. Sounds miraculous, right? Well, it’s more like an expensive balancing act. University of Maryland's bee expert Nathalie Steinhauer calls it a tightrope walk—one that keeps these essential pollinators from spiraling into a bee apocalypse.

What’s Killing the Bees? The deadly combination of parasitic mites, pesticides, starvation, and changing climates has made survival a struggle for these tiny pollinators. Imagine having a frisbee-sized parasite on your back. That’s how the Varroa destructor mite feels for bees! This flat creature wreaks havoc, opening the door to deadly viruses and decimating colonies.

Not only are mites an issue, but our changing weather patterns aren’t doing bees any favors either. Sudden shifts, like unseasonable warm spells followed by freezes, disrupt bees' routines, sometimes with fatal consequences.

Are We Headed Toward a 'Bee Apocalypse'? The good news? We’re not quite there. Beekeepers have become adept at mitigating the losses by rebuilding colonies each year. This resilience has kept the honeybee population from collapsing entirely, though the fight is far from over.

Despite the challenges, beekeepers like Jeff Pettis, president of Apimondia, are optimistic. With less than an 18% loss in his colonies, Pettis credits organic treatments and continuous management for keeping his bees healthier. However, for many beekeepers across the country, it's a much tougher battle, with losses as high as 80%.

Why Should You Care? Here’s where it gets personal. Honeybees play a pivotal role in pollinating more than 100 crops, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables. In fact, bees are responsible for 80% of the pollination needed for a third of our food supply. So, every time you enjoy a crisp apple or a juicy melon, thank the humble honeybee.

The demand for pollination continues to grow as the agricultural industry depends on bees to maintain the global food supply. But with beekeepers struggling to meet these needs, the pressure is building.

What Can You Do to Help?

• Support local beekeepers by purchasing honey or bee products.
• Plant bee-friendly flowers and avoid using harmful pesticides.
• Educate yourself and others about the importance of honeybees.

Call to Action: Don’t let this story end in silence. What do you think about the plight of the honeybee? Have you noticed fewer bees in your garden? Let’s talk about how we can all be part of the solution—share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on this pressing issue.

Conclusion: The honeybee crisis is real, but so is the determination of beekeepers. As they continue to adapt, learn, and fight back against the myriad threats, we must all do our part. Together, we can ensure that these vital pollinators continue their work—and maybe enjoy a little honey along the way.