Bees are in trouble
The results of an annual nationwide survey of beekeepers are in, and the numbers show bees are in trouble.
Beekeepers lost 40 percent of their hives this year.
Beekeepers lost over 40 percent of their hives this year — the second highest loss rate on record. The high loss rate was driven by the highest summer losses ever reported by the survey.1
This level of loss is unsustainable. In order to protect our most important pollinators, Environmental Action is campaigning for a ban on the worst uses of neonicotinoids — a class of pesticides behind colony collapse.
Pesticides are a leading cause of colony collapse.
The annual nationwide survey of beekeepers has been documenting hive losses since 2006, and this year’s report is among the worst. Despite having a better than average winter, bee colonies perished over the summer of 2019 at the highest rate on record.2
While fewer colonies were lost due to natural causes like cold winter weather, the research suggests that man-made causes, including the widespread use of neonicotinoids, are largely responsible for this year’s colony collapse.
A large and growing body of research shows that neonicotinoids are poisonous to bees. Bees’ exposure to these highly toxic pesticides causes neurological damage, paralysis and death.3
Take action to save the bees.
Our pollinators should be protected from — not poisoned by — toxic pesticides.
Maryland, Connecticut and Vermont have taken action and banned consumer use of neonicotinoids. But to protect bees nationwide, we need all states to join in taking action. You can help achieve sweeping change by calling on your state representatives to protect bees today.
- “US Beekeepers reported lower winter losses but abnormally high summer losses,” Science Daily, June 22, 2020.
- “US Beekeepers reported lower winter losses but abnormally high summer losses,” Science Daily, June 22, 2020.
- Stephen Leahy, “Insect ‘Apocalypse’ in U.S. Driven by 50x Increase in Toxic Pesticides,” National Geographic, August 6, 2019.