According to the Bee Informed Partnership’s annual survey of beekeepers in the United States, which includes both commercial and hobbyist beekeepers, the average percentage of lost hives annually to all causes in the 2020-2021 winter was 45.5%. This represents an increase in the percentage of lost hives from the previous year.

It’s worth noting that the percentage of lost hives can vary by region and can be affected by a variety of factors such as climate, land use practices, pests, and diseases. The Bee Informed Partnership survey provides a breakdown of average percentage of lost hives by region in the United States for the 2020-2021 winter, which are as follows:

• Northeast: 52.7%
• Mid-Atlantic: 41.8%
• Southeast: 47.9%
• Great Lakes: 54.2%
• Plains: 45.8%
• Mountain: 42.1%
• Pacific: 43.1%

It’s important to note that these numbers are specific to the United States and may not be representative of other countries or regions. Additionally, the percentage of lost hives can vary from year to year based on a variety of factors.

Specific Los Factors

There are several specific causes of hive loss in beekeeping, which can include:

1. Varroa mites: These parasitic mites are one of the biggest threats to bee colonies, as they weaken the bees and can transmit viruses and other diseases.
2. Diseases and pests: Various diseases and pests can infect and harm bees, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pests like the small hive beetle and wax moths.
3. Poor nutrition: Bees need a diverse range of pollen and nectar sources to maintain their health and immune system, and poor nutrition can weaken the bees and make them more susceptible to diseases and other threats.
4. Pesticides: Exposure to pesticides and other agricultural chemicals can be harmful to bees, both directly and indirectly.
5. Habitat loss: Destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats and loss of floral resources can limit the availability of forage for bees, making it harder for them to find food and sustain healthy colonies.
6. Climate change: Changes in weather patterns and temperatures can affect the timing and availability of nectar and pollen sources, disrupt bee behavior and migration patterns, and exacerbate other threats to bee health.

These are some of the main causes of hive loss in beekeeping, and addressing these threats is crucial to protecting bee populations and maintaining healthy bee colonies.

Specific Percentage Data

The Bee Informed Partnership’s annual survey of beekeepers in the United States provides a breakdown of the primary causes of colony loss, based on data collected from participating beekeepers. Here are some of the percentages reported in the most recent survey (2020-2021 winter):

1. Varroa mites: 34.7% of surveyed beekeepers reported that varroa mites were the primary cause of colony loss.
2. Poor nutrition: 22.5% of surveyed beekeepers reported poor nutrition as the primary cause of colony loss.
3. Diseases and pests: 18.9% of surveyed beekeepers reported diseases and pests other than varroa mites as the primary cause of colony loss.
4. Weather: 10.9% of surveyed beekeepers reported weather-related issues, such as excessive moisture or extreme temperatures, as the primary cause of colony loss.
5. Queen issues: 7.9% of surveyed beekeepers reported queen-related issues as the primary cause of colony loss.

It’s worth noting that these percentages are based on data collected from participating beekeepers in the United States and may not be representative of beekeeping in other regions or countries. Additionally, the percentages can vary from year to year and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including regional differences in climate and agricultural practices.

Accumulated Effects

These various factors that contribute to hive loss in beekeeping can be cumulative, and reducing one or more of these factors can have a positive impact on overall hive health and resilience. In other words, the impact of reducing one factor on hive loss may be greater than expected if analyzed in isolation, because the various factors can interact and exacerbate each other.

For example, if a hive is weakened by poor nutrition, it may be more susceptible to disease and pests, which can further weaken the colony and make it more vulnerable to other threats such as weather or pesticide exposure. By addressing the underlying issue of poor nutrition, the beekeeper may be able to strengthen the colony and reduce the impact of other threats.

Similarly, reducing the impact of varroa mites can have a positive impact on overall hive health, as varroa mites can weaken the bees and make them more susceptible to other diseases and pests. By managing varroa mites effectively, beekeepers may be able to reduce the overall stress on the hive and make it more resilient to other threats.

Therefore, addressing multiple factors that contribute to hive loss can be an effective approach to reducing overall hive loss, and the impact of reducing one factor may be greater than expected by simple linear analysis.

2022 Losses

Bees play a crucial role beyond honey production, significantly contributing to the U.S. economy with an estimated annual value of at least $15 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, honeybee populations have experienced a steady decline for years.

In Texas, small beekeepers have reported that 2022 has been one of the worst years for colony loss. Honeybee populations in the United States have been shrinking since the 1940s, dropping from around 6 million to approximately 2.5 million today. Lawmakers and environmental organizations are working together to draft legislation aimed at making Texas more pollinator-friendly in terms of its landscape.

One bee farm owner in Austin has transformed their conservation hobby into a thriving business with about 80-150 colonies. Despite their efforts, this beekeeper has not seen an improvement in their bee populations. They cite severe cold and drought as factors that have led to the death of hundreds of colonies in their region over the past four months.

According to the Bee Informed Partnership (BIP) Loss and Management Survey, commercial beekeepers lost around 39% of their honeybee colonies between April 2021 and April 2022. Smaller beekeepers experienced even greater losses. The BIP preliminary report revealed that backyard beekeepers with fewer than 50 colonies faced a record high colony-loss rate of 58.5% in 2022. Sideliner beekeepers managing 51 to 500 colonies also saw an increase.

From April 2021 to April 2022, Texas experienced an annual colony loss of 33.9%. Although not the worst among states, it is far from the best. A researcher managing a honeybee lab at a Texas university in collaboration with the BIP points out that the data is voluntarily self-reported and likely only captures a fraction of the issue. The acceptable honeybee colony loss is between 13% to 17%, but in the last decade, losses have been double or even triple that figure.

Varroa mites are the leading cause of colony loss, followed by colony collapse disorder, pesticides, diseases, and weather events. A USDA report found that 45.2% of colonies were affected by varroa mites from April to June in 2022. The researcher highlights that instead of finding a solution, beekeepers, scientists, and researchers are currently focused on replacing lost colonies.

Despite planting native wildflowers to aid pollination, the bee farm owner in Austin has struggled with drought, which has killed the flowers. They now provide pollen in trays for the colonies lacking sufficient food for their hives. This beekeeper explains that they have had to purchase new colonies to replace their losses, stretching their resources thin just to survive.

The use of technology in beekeeping can provide superior solutions to help small-scale operators produce truly organic honey while increasing their revenue. Here’s how technology can play a significant role in this process:

1. Monitoring forage areas: GPS technology, mapping tools, and drones can help beekeepers identify and monitor forage areas that are free from synthetic pesticides and herbicides. This ensures that the bees are only foraging on organically grown flowers, which is essential for producing organic honey.
2. Hive monitoring and health: Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors can be installed in hives to monitor the health of the bees, the quality of the honey, and environmental conditions. This real-time data can help beekeepers take preventive measures to maintain hive health, such as identifying potential disease outbreaks or pest infestations before they become severe, without relying on synthetic chemical treatments.
3. Precision pest and disease management: Technological solutions can provide targeted and efficient pest and disease control methods that minimize the need for synthetic chemicals. For example, using heat treatment, mechanical mite traps, or biopesticides derived from natural sources can help maintain hive health while adhering to organic standards.
4. Data-driven decision-making: The data collected from various monitoring technologies can be used to make informed decisions about hive management, such as the optimal timing for honey extraction, or identifying the need for supplementary feeding. This data-driven approach can improve overall hive productivity and the quality of the honey, resulting in a higher revenue for small-scale operators.
5. Traceability and certification: Blockchain technology can be employed to create a transparent and secure record of the honey production process, from forage area to the final product. This traceability can help beekeepers demonstrate their adherence to organic standards, potentially increasing consumer trust and allowing them to command a premium price for their organic honey.
6. Efficient marketing and distribution: Digital marketing tools, e-commerce platforms, and mobile applications can help small-scale operators connect with consumers who value organic products, allowing them to expand their customer base and increase sales.

By embracing technological solutions, small-scale operators can improve their beekeeping practices, enhance the quality of their honey, and meet organic certification requirements. This, in turn, can help them tap into the growing market for organic honey, increase their revenue, and contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

By following these steps, you can help your honey beehive recover after a winter kill and set it on a path to thrive in the coming seasons.