California’s almond tree groves are one of the first major crops every year that U.S. honey bee keepers are called on to help with pollination. This year, however, bee keepers will struggle to meet those calls and others this season following a sudden die-off of more than half their colonies this winter. That’s according to a report from bee industry groups, which say that combined with losses earlier last year, this puts many beekeepers at a loss rate of 70%-100% over the past 12 months.
Danielle Downey, executive director of Project Apis m, one of the groups involved in the survey, said beekeepers discovered more than half their bees were dead or gone when they began reopening operations in late-January, early-February. “There’s a full panic right now to figure out what’s wrong and how bad it’s going to be,” Downey told Forbes.
The cause of the sudden die-off is not yet known. Experts say the symptoms of loss are reminiscent of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) conditions which occurred in 2007 -2008 when bees suddenly disappeared from their colonies. During recent inspections by field scientists, deceased colonies often died with ample honey stores, leaving small patches of brood, with most or all the adult bees missing. Another symptom has been the rapid dwindling of surviving colonies, often within ten days of passing health inspections, according to the report.
Samples collected are being analyzed for various known pathogens as well as pesticides. Scientists are also conducting genetic screening for novel viruses. The groups behind the report – Project Apis m., American Beekeeping Federation, American Honey Producers Association, and Adee Honey Farms – say additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
By all accounts, the losses are severe and nationwide, which raises additional concerns about food production. Along with almonds, other foods that could be affected include fruits like blueberries, cherries, and apples, as well as melons and pumpkins. While other pollinators and even the wind can pollinate crops, the reduced number of bees is still a risk.
The losses are devastating for beekeepers too, many of which rely on income from both pollination and honey businesses. Beekeepers experiencing bee losses are encouraged to submit claims right away. Information is available HERE. The full report is HERE.
Downey says the crisis has also made beehives an increasing target for theft. Hive theft, also known as “bee rustling,” recently gained nationwide attention when the California State Beekeepers Association (CSBA) announced a new effort to tamp down on bee thefts, which includes working with a private detective agency that specializes in agricultural crime.
According to CSBA, the high value of hives during pollination season has spurred an increase in individuals, and even crime rings, who steal hives from orchards and then rent these stolen hives to farmers who need bees to pollinate their crops. The state has experienced an +87% increase in hive thefts since 2013 with losses estimated at over $3.5 million. CSBA encourages beekeepers to properly mark their hives with names, distinctive brands, and use tracking devices such as air tags. Learn more HERE.
