Honey bee Collapse: What’s going on?

The year 2022-2023 witnessed the second-highest rate of American honey bee colony losses reported since record-keeping began in 2007. The Bee Informed Partnership conducted an extensive survey involving over 3,000 beekeepers, revealing a significant decline of 48.2% in honey bee colonies over the course of the past year. While the honey bee population itself remains stable due to beekeepers’ efforts in establishing new colonies, it is crucial to address the underlying issues affecting bee health to ensure the long-term survival of honey bees and safeguard native pollinators as well. Despite annual losses of 30-50% reported by beekeepers, the overall honey bee population in the United States has remained relatively stable at around 2.6 million hives over the past two decades. This is attributed to beekeepers replenishing lost colonies by creating new ones through a process called “splitting.” By redistributing worker bees and establishing new hives with new queens, beekeepers can sustain the population. However, this practice is a temporary solution, and addressing the root causes of honey bee decline is essential for their long-term well-being. Honey bees face similar challenges as native pollinators. Habitat loss, primarily due to the reduction in diverse food plants for pollinators, has severely impacted their nutrition and overall health. Inadequate diets result in developmental and immune issues within colonies. Exposure to pesticides during foraging activities also hampers learning abilities and immunity in honey bees. Furthermore, new pests and pathogens, such as the varroa mite, have become major threats to honey bee colonies. Preserving habitat quality plays a pivotal role in safeguarding honey bees and all pollinators. Planting a wide variety of flowering plants throughout the year can enhance their diet, strengthen immune systems, and improve overall health. Therefore, habitat restoration initiatives are vital for the success of pollinators. Reducing pesticide use and exploring alternative methods for pest control also play a crucial role in promoting pollinator health. By adopting these practices, we can contribute to the protection of honey bees and other vital pollinators. Butterfly Pavilion offers several ways for people to learn about and help bee conservation efforts:  

• Urban Prairies Project (UPP)

  – Part of our community science program, volunteers with UPP are directly contributing to improving invertebrate conservation, environmental sustainability and informing local policy, as well as getting outdoors and having fun with great people.  These projects not only gather important ecological information, but they also help educate and engage the public in invertebrate conservation and research. Learn more here: Urban Prairies Project (butterflies.org) 

• Environmental and Ecological Services (EES) including: 

   

• • Hive Rentals

    – By partnering with Butterfly Pavilion to host a hive in your backyard, you’re providing a benefit for the entire community. Pollinators are essential for all life. Especially for anyone who wants to grow flowers, gardens, landscaping, and more. Learn more here: Residential Beehive Rentals (butterflies.org)  

  • Garden Design and Consultation

    – Butterfly Pavilion experts will analyze your existing garden or yard and develop detailed strategies to cultivate a visually stunning, flourishing garden teeming with a healthy pollinator population. Learn more here: Residential Pollinator Garden Design (butterflies.org)  

• • Beekeeping Bootcamp

    – Work alongside Butterfly Pavilion beekeeping experts and other beginner beekeepers, developing the skills necessary to achieve thriving beehives. Learn more here: Residential Pollinator Garden Design (butterflies.org)  

New research is being conducted to develop new management methods and treatments to combat pests and diseases affecting honey bees. Promising advancements, such as the introduction of the first honeyb ee vaccine, offer potential solutions. Beekeepers must stay informed about these developments to protect their own hives and support the well-being of pollinators within their communities. Beginner beekeeping classes, mentoring programs, and local beekeeping clubs provide valuable knowledge and training for beekeepers to adopt measures such as mite testing, treatments, regular hive checks, and proper ventilation.