Colony Collapse Explained: Why Bees Are in Trouble

You've probably heard that bees are in trouble. Maybe you've heard the term "colony collapse disorder." But what does it actually mean, and is it still happening? Here's a clear, honest look.

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What colony collapse disorder was

In the winter of 2006 to 2007, beekeepers in the United States began reporting something strange. They'd open hives and find them nearly empty. The queen, some young bees, honey, and brood were still there, but most of the adult worker bees had simply vanished. There were no piles of dead bees. They were just gone.

Scientists named it colony collapse disorder, or CCD, and it set off alarm bells around the world. The dramatic mystery drew huge public attention to bees.

Is CCD still happening?

Cases matching the classic CCD pattern became much less common in the years that followed. But that doesn't mean bees are fine. Beekeepers continue to lose large numbers of colonies each year, often far more than the losses once considered normal, and recent seasons have included some of the heaviest losses ever reported by U.S. beekeepers. Today, researchers talk less about one mysterious disorder and more about several stresses working together.

The main threats to bees today

1. Varroa mites and the viruses they spread

These parasitic mites feed on bees and carry harmful viruses between them. Many scientists consider varroa the single biggest driver of colony losses. (If you keep bees, here's how to test for varroa mites.)

2. Pesticides

Some pesticides can harm bees directly. Others may not kill bees outright but can affect their ability to navigate, learn, or fight off disease. Neonicotinoids in particular have been widely studied.

3. Poor nutrition

Bees need a variety of flowers for a balanced diet. Huge single-crop farms, lawns, and paved landscapes offer little variety, and a poorly fed colony is less able to resist disease.

4. Habitat loss

As wild land gives way to development and monoculture farming, bees lose both food and nesting places. This hits native bees especially hard.

5. Climate and weather extremes

Drought, heat waves, wildfires, and shifting bloom times can leave bees without food when they need it most.

It's the combination that matters

No single factor explains everything. A colony weakened by mites, then short on good food, then exposed to pesticides, is far more likely to fail than one facing any one of those alone. That's actually hopeful news, because it means there are many places where people can help. (And it matters for all of us. Here's why bees are essential to our food supply.)

How you can help

• Plant diverse, pesticide-free flowers that bloom across the seasons. A native wildflower seed mix is an easy start, and here are our favorite pollinator plants for Fremont.
• Skip or limit pesticides in your yard, especially on blooming plants.
• Leave some wild space for native bees to nest, or hang a mason bee house.
• Buy from local beekeepers who care for their colonies.
• Support pollinator research and programs.
• Share what you learn. Awareness is where every change starts.

No yard? No problem. See How to Support Pollinators (Even If You Don't Have a Garden).

Want to make a direct difference? Visit Support & Sponsor the Bees to learn how our hive adoptions and pollinator subscriptions help care for our colonies.