Honey bee colonies across the United States are facing unprecedented declines in 2025, with losses projected to reach as high as 70%, according to entomologists at Washington State University (WSU). This marks a significant increase from the annual loss rate of 40-50% observed over the past decade, sparking concerns about the impact on agriculture and food production.
WSU researchers attribute this trend to a combination of stressors, including nutritional deficiencies, infestations by Varroa destructor mites, viral diseases, and potential pesticide exposure during the previous pollination season.
Assistant Professor Priya Chakrabarti Basu, who specializes in pollinator health and apiculture, emphasized the mounting pressure on beekeepers to maintain colony numbers despite these challenges. “Pollination demands haven’t gone down, so beekeepers face tremendous pressure to keep the same number of colonies to meet those needs,” Basu explained.
Agricultural and Economic Impacts
Honey bees play a critical role in pollinating crops that make up approximately 35% of global food production, according to the USDA. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee, cocoa, and vanilla are among the crops that depend on pollinators. The decline in bee populations is already affecting industries like almond production in California—the largest crop requiring honey bee pollination.
Brandon Hopkins, WSU’s P.F. Thurber Endowed Distinguished Professor of Pollinator Ecology, noted that almond growers are desperate for live bee colonies due to shortages. “Anything with live bees in a box is in demand because the industry is short on supply,” Hopkins said. “I haven’t heard of that since the early days of colony collapse around 2008.”
Economically, honey bees contributed nearly $350 million to U.S. agricultural production value in 2023. However, rising colony losses could lead to increased costs for farmers reliant on pollination services and potential bankruptcies among beekeepers.
“I don’t want to be a fearmonger, but this level of national loss could mean increased bankruptcies amongst beekeepers,” Hopkins said.
Research and Solutions
WSU scientists are actively working on solutions to combat these losses through their Honey Bees + Pollinators Program. Their initiatives include studying bee nutrition, developing sustainable beekeeping practices, and creating biocontrol methods for Varroa mites using fungi-based treatments. Additionally, researchers are investigating ways to bolster bee immune systems against pathogens through nutritional supplements.
The program also emphasizes community involvement and education. Beekeepers and citizens concerned about pollinator health are encouraged to participate in research efforts and support initiatives aimed at safeguarding honey bees.
