Did You Know: Beekeepers Experiencing High Hive Losses

Why Are Beekeepers Seeing UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH Hive Losses This Year?

If you’ve been following beekeeping news, you may have heard that commercial beekeepers are reporting unusually high hive losses this season—some as high as 50% to 80%. While colony losses are an unfortunate reality in modern beekeeping, this year’s numbers are especially alarming. What’s happening, and what can be done?

At Waterford Bee Company, we believe it’s important to understand the challenges facing honey bees—both for beekeepers and for those who support pollinator health. Here’s a look at the factors driving this year’s hive losses and how beekeepers can respond.

A Perfect Storm of Stressors

While there’s rarely a single cause of large-scale hive losses, several key issues seem to be hitting at the same time, putting immense pressure on honey bee colonies.

🐝 1. Varroa Mite Explosions

Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) remain one of the biggest threats to honey bee health. These parasites weaken bees by feeding on their fat bodies and spreading deadly viruses like Deformed Wing Virus (DWV). When mite populations surge in late summer and fall, colonies can enter winter in a weakened state—and many don’t survive.

Why it’s worse this year: Some regions experienced warmer autumns, allowing mites to reproduce for longer. If beekeepers didn’t catch infestations early, colonies may have collapsed rapidly.

🌱 2. Poor Forage and Nutrition

Healthy bees need diverse nectar and pollen sources to thrive. Unfortunately, habitat loss, large-scale monoculture farming, and unpredictable weather have made it harder for bees to find adequate food throughout the year.

Impact: Malnourished bees have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease and winter die-offs.

☠️ 3. Pesticide Exposure

Certain pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids and fungicides, have been linked to bee health issues. While some restrictions have been placed on harmful chemicals, bees still face exposure from agricultural applications and even home gardens.

This year’s concern: If hives were placed near recently treated crops or encountered a new mix of chemicals, colonies may have suffered sublethal effects, leading to queen failure, poor brood production, or even colony collapse.

🌍 4. Climate Change and Weather Extremes

Unpredictable weather—sudden cold snaps, unseasonable warmth, droughts, and heavy rains—can disrupt the delicate balance bees rely on.

How this affects hives:

• Warm autumns can extend mite reproduction cycles.

• Cold snaps can trap bees outside the hive, causing sudden losses.

• Droughts reduce nectar flow, leading to starvation.

This year, shifting weather patterns may have thrown off normal seasonal rhythms, making it harder for colonies to survive.

🚛 5. Beekeeping Stress & Management Challenges

Commercial beekeepers often transport hives across the country for pollination contracts. Moving colonies can be stressful, exposing them to unfamiliar environments, pesticide-treated fields, and sudden climate changes.

Additionally: Some beekeepers have reported poor queen performance, which could be tied to genetic issues or stress from chemical exposure.

What Can Beekeepers Do?

While these challenges may seem overwhelming, there are steps beekeepers can take to improve colony survival:

✅ Monitor and Manage Varroa Mites: Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including regular mite checks and rotating treatments to avoid resistance.

✅ Support Bee Nutrition: Provide supplemental feeding (sugar syrup, pollen patties) in times of dearth and plant pollinator-friendly flowers whenever possible.

✅ Be Mindful of Pesticides: Work with local farmers and gardeners to reduce exposure and avoid treating crops when bees are active.

✅ Choose Strong Genetics: Select mite-resistant queens and monitor colony performance to ensure strong, productive hives.

✅ Track Weather Patterns: Be ready to assist hives when sudden weather shifts put them at risk.

Looking Ahead

This year’s high hive losses are a stark reminder of the pressures modern beekeeping faces. By tackling each stressor—rather than focusing on just one—beekeepers can improve their chances of keeping colonies healthy and resilient.

At Waterford Bee Company, we’re committed to supporting beekeepers, promoting sustainable practices, and educating the public about the importance of pollinators. If you’re a beekeeper facing challenges this season, let’s connect and find solutions together!

📢 How are your hives doing this year? Have you experienced high losses? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!