Honey bee colonies across the United States are facing a crisis of unprecedented scale, with projected losses expected to reach between 60% and 70% in 2025, according to entomologists at Washington State University (WSU). This figure represents a dramatic and alarming increase compared to the annual losses typically seen over the past decade, which generally ranged between 40% and 50%. Such a significant jump signals a deepening challenge for pollinators essential to the nation's food system. Experts attribute these staggering losses not to a single cause, but to a complex combination of interacting stressors. Priya Chakrabarti Basu, an assistant professor of pollinator health at WSU, highlights factors such as nutrition deficiencies, pervasive varroa mite infestations, associated viral diseases, and potential pesticide exposure from previous pollination seasons. The mites, Varroa destructor, are particularly damaging as they feed on developing bees (pupae), transmit viruses, and weaken adult bees, making entire colonies more susceptible to collapse. This convergence of multiple pressures creates a difficult environment for honey bees to thrive and puts immense strain on beekeepers trying to maintain healthy colonies. The potential consequences for agriculture are severe. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that about 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators, including honey bees, for production. Key crops reliant on these pollinators include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables such as apples, strawberries, cucumbers, and avocados, as well as nuts like almonds and macadamia nuts. Other affected plants include economically significant crops like coffee, cocoa, and vanilla. With fewer bees available for pollination, farmers face higher costs and logistical challenges in securing the necessary colonies for their crops. The impact is expected to be particularly acute in California's almond industry, the single largest agricultural user of commercial honey bee pollination services, which occur in February and March. Brandon Hopkins, a professor of pollinator ecology at WSU, noted that while the almond industry typically demands strong colonies, the projected shortage for 2025 has led to desperation among growers. He stated that "anything with live bees in a box is in demand because the industry is short on supply," a situation reminiscent of the early days of colony collapse disorder around 2008. This shortage threatens not only the almond harvest but also the economic stability of commercial beekeepers, with Hopkins warning that such high national loss levels could lead to increased bankruptcies within the industry. The economic contribution of honey bees, valued at nearly $350 million in production value in 2023 according to the USDA, underscores the financial stakes involved. In response to this escalating crisis, WSU scientists are actively working on solutions. Their efforts focus on developing methods for widespread varroa mite control, promoting awareness and adoption of best management practices for commercial honey bee colonies, and conducting new research into bee nutrition. The goal is to provide beekeepers with better tools and knowledge to access healthy food sources for their colonies and combat the devastating effects of mites and diseases. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is crucial for mitigating the record losses and ensuring the long-term health of honey bee populations and the agricultural systems they support.
