U.S. Honeybee Deaths Soar, and Grocery Store Bills Could Take the Hit

Honeybee populations across the U.S. are declining at unprecedented rates, with commercial beekeepers reporting a 62% loss from June to February, according to a survey by Project Apis m. This sharp drop threatens crop pollination and could lead to rising food prices, as bees are vital to the production of fruits, vegetables, almonds, and other essential crops—contributing an estimated $17 billion annually to U.S. agriculture.

Experts, including Elina Niño of UC Davis, cite factors such as parasites (like varroa mites), disease, poor nutrition, and even hive theft as causes. In California alone, hive thefts have surged 87% since 2013, costing over $3.5 million. Beekeepers are now hiding tracking devices in hives and branding them to deter theft. Niño calls for government support and encourages the public to help by planting pollinator-friendly plants. With only 2.7 million colonies left, the crisis poses serious risks to food security and the agricultural economy.