U.S. Honey Bee Crisis: A Wake-Up Call for Beekeepers and Conservationists

U.S. Honey Bee Crisis: A Wake-Up Call for Beekeepers and Conservationists

Honey bee losses in the U.S. have reached record levels, and the cause may be more insidious than previously thought. Recent reports highlight the Varroa mite—already a notorious threat to bee health—as a growing menace that has developed resistance to amitraz, the primary pesticide used to control it Siskiyou News.

Commercial beekeepers from South Texas to California are facing staggering losses. One farm lost two-thirds of its hives this year alone, jeopardizing pollination efforts for vital crops like almonds and watermelons Siskiyou News. Nationwide, average colony losses have soared to around 60%, a devastating blow with far-reaching implications for food security and agriculture The GuardianThe Fence Post.

The evolving threat of amitraz-resistant Varroa mites is at the center of the crisis. These hardy parasites not only weaken colonies directly but also amplify viral infections, creating a lethal synergy that accelerates hive collapse The GuardianThe Fence Post. Experts warn this trend, combined with environmental stressors like pesticide exposure, monoculture farming, and climate change, could lead to catastrophic consequences if not addressed urgently The GuardianAmerican Veterinary Medical Association.

Read the full article for more insight: [Record US Honey Bee Losses and What Mite Be Behind Them]
https://www.siskiyou.news/2025/08/08/record-us-honey-bee-losses-and-what-mite-be-behind-them/