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Bee Loss Crisis: U.S. Faces Worst Die-Off in History, Threatening Food Supply

The U.S. beekeeping industry is facing an unprecedented catastrophe. Over the past eight months, hundreds of millions of bees have died, triggering what experts now call the worst bee loss in recorded history.

Blake Shook, a leading beekeeper, has witnessed massive die-offs firsthand across his operations. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Shook told CBS Saturday Morning. “If this continues, the industry—and our food system—could collapse.”

Scientists are scrambling for answers. Dr. Juliana Rangel, an entomologist at Texas A&M, is researching potential causes, from shifting weather patterns to habitat loss. But so far, no definitive explanation has emerged.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Honeybees are vital to U.S. agriculture, pollinating 75% of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we grow—a market worth over $15 billion. Without pollination, crops like almonds would plummet from 2,000–3,000 pounds per acre to just 200.

“There is no almond crop without honeybees,” Shook emphasized.

One of Shook’s businesses now specializes in rebuilding hives wiped out by mass die-offs. The demand is overwhelming. Beekeeping groups warn that up to 25% of commercial operations could be forced to shut down by year’s end.

“I had a call from a friend who went from 20,000 hives to less than 1,000,” Shook said. “He told me, ‘I’m done.’ I’ve had far too many of those heartbreaking calls.”

This isn’t just a beekeeper problem—it’s a national food security crisis. If bee losses continue at this rate, Americans could soon see higher prices, lower crop yields, and limited access to the produce we depend on. The clock is ticking, and the bees are vanishing.

Hidden Crisis Threatening  Food Security—and How You Can Help

North America is facing a major pollinator crisis, with new research showing that over 22% of native pollinator species are at elevated risk of extinction. This groundbreaking study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, assessed nearly 1,600 species—including bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flower flies, bats, and hummingbirds.

Pollinators are crucial to the reproduction of most flowering plants and the production of fruits and seeds. In fact, around 75% of global food crops and nearly 90% of wild plants depend on pollination. Without pollinators, our food systems—and natural ecosystems—would suffer drastically.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Tara Cornelisse of NatureServe, said it paints “the most comprehensive picture yet” of the decline. Alarming findings include:

  • 1 in 5 pollinators is at risk of extinction.
  • Bees are the most threatened, with 34.7% of native species—especially digger and leafcutter bees—facing major declines.
  • All pollinating bat species are at risk, while hummingbirds fare better.
  • The American Southwest emerged as a hotspot for at-risk species, largely due to climate pressures.

The biggest threats? Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. These issues not only harm pollinators but also disrupt their food sources, nesting sites, and life cycles.

But there’s hope—and action you can take. Start by planting native flowering plants (even in pots), ensuring they’re pesticide-free. Ask local nurseries about untreated seeds. Let dead plant material remain in your garden—it offers vital shelter for insects.

Even small spaces can help. As co-author Jaret Daniels notes, “Container gardens can offer meaningful support and joy.”

Your backyard can be part of the solution—protecting pollinators protects us all.