Unprecedented Bee Losses in the U.S. in 2025
The U.S. beekeeping industry is experiencing record-breaking colony losses in 2025, with some reports indicating over 60% of commercial colonies were lost between June 2024 and March 2025. This represents millions of bees and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damages. The losses are attributed to a combination of stressors, including Varroa mite infestations, viral diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and pesticide exposure. These declines threaten the pollination services crucial for crops like almonds, apples, and melons, potentially leading to food shortages and higher prices.