Declining bee populations across the US have reached an alarming level. Recent reports indicate that beekeepers lost an average of 62% of their colonies between June 2024 and February 2025, a catastrophic loss of approximately 1.1 million colonies nationwide. This is a direct threat to our agriculture and food production.
Why are bees disappearing?
Major factors contributing to this decline include:
- Parasites
- Diseases
- Pesticides
- Habitat loss
- Environmental changes
While habitat loss and pesticide use have long been recognized as threats, a new and growing concern is the emergence of dangerous parasites that weaken bee colonies at an alarming rate.
Parasites: The silent bee killer
Varroa Mites
One of the most destructive parasites out there that can devastate the hive is the Varroa Destructor Mite. This is an external parasite that feeds off the fat bodies of both adult bees and developing larvae. When the parasite attacks, the host becomes very weak and makes the entire colony vulnerable to other deadly viruses and infections. And if not treated in time, varroa infestations can wipe out an entire colony in months.
Nosema ceranae
This internal invader is a microscopic fungus that infects the digestive tracts of adult bees and causes symptoms like
- Reduced nutrient absorption
- Disorientation in forager bees
- Increased mortality
- Weakened immune systems
Although the infected bees are still able to collect food, their efficiency goes way down, which affects the entire colony.
Lotmaria Passim
Meet the new bully in town. One of the latest additions to the world of threats for honeybees is the Lotmaria passim. This new type of trypanosomatid parasite was first identified in 2015 and is still under the microscope. This type of parasite is related to those causing Chagas disease in humans. When bees are infected, this parasite can cause the behavior of the bees to alter significantly and also accelerate their aging, leading to premature deaths that disrupt the stability of the entire colony.
Other deadly threats to bees
Small Hive Beetles
The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) is another pest wreaking havoc across the country. Native to Africa but now widespread in the US, these beetles lay eggs inside hives, where their larvae feed on honey, pollen, and bee brood. These alien larvae also ferment the honey stored in the hive, making it entirely unusable.
Small hive beetle infestations are growing common, according to beekeepers, and this has caused severe colony stress and even potential abandonment.
Bacterial and viral infections
Aside from parasites, honey colonies also have to battle with bacterial diseases such as
- American foulbrood—a lethal infection that kills bee larvae. It spreads through spores.
- European foulbrood—another bacterial disease that weakens young bees and reduces colony numbers.
Many viruses—transmitted by parasites like Varroa mites—further weaken bee populations.
The devastating impact on agriculture
Did you know that honeybees are responsible for pollinating one-third of the world’s food crops? That is a staggering number. In the US alone, their pollination services are valued at nearly $20 billion annually. If the population continues to decline at this rate, we are looking at
- Lower crop yields
- Increased food prices
- Greater food insecurity
What can we do to save the bees?
Though the alarm has been sounded, the devastating wave on bee colonies seems far from over and, by the looks of it, is going to get even worse. However, unsung heroes are working off the limelight to combat these challenges.
- Integrated pest management: Beekeepers are focusing more on controlling mites and parasites with better hive management techniques.
- Breeding disease-resistant bee species: Scientists are working to develop honeybee strains that can naturally resist diseases.
- Reducing pesticide use: Farmers and gardeners are switching to pollinator-friendly alternatives.
- Planting more flora: This provides bees with a natural source of food to help them thrive.
A Different way to help save the bees
Choose brands that give back. Beezzit is committed to protecting the bees through awareness and action. Offering a wide range of sustainable bee-themed products, for every purchase you make, a portion of your proceeds go directly into saving the bees. Small choices can lead to big changes, and with Beezzit, help secure the healthiest future for bees and our planet.
Head on over to the website to shop in style and read more on how to save the bees.
The urgent need to act
The drastic disappearance of over half of the US bee population is a real crisis that demands immediate attention. And while major brands like Beezzit and more are doing their part, are you? Understand that these new threats, and some old ones, coupled with climate change and habitat loss, have triggered a butterfly effect that has destabilized these essential pollinators. What they do for the planet can never be denied. So, are we ready to save the bees before it is too late? Without them, the future does look bleak. Help us save the bees!
