Nation's beekeepers lost 44 percent of bees in 2015-16

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-05/uom-nbl050916.php

Public Release: 10-May-2016
Nation's beekeepers lost 44 percent of bees in 2015-16
Summer losses rival winter losses for the second year running
University of Maryland

Beekeepers across the United States lost 44 percent of their honey bee colonies during the year spanning April 2015 to April 2016, according to the latest preliminary results of an annual nationwide survey. Rates of both winter loss and summer loss--and consequently, total annual losses--worsened compared with last year. This marks the second consecutive survey year that summer loss rates rivaled winter loss rates.

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The researchers note that many factors are contributing to colony losses. A clear culprit is the varroa mite, a lethal parasite that can easily spread between colonies. Pesticides and malnutrition caused by changing land use patterns are also likely taking a toll, especially among commercial beekeepers.

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