Whether you have a phobia of bees or see them for the world-sustaining miracle that they are, it’s important that everyone understands the way they help our planet and the damage that will be done if we wipe them off the Earth completely.
As there are millions upon millions of bees out there, many people aren’t exactly worried about their numbers.
But single events like the spraying of pesticides or an extremely cold day thanks to climate change can wipe out thousands, if not millions, of bees in one go, which not only damages the bees’ population but also our vital food sources in the process.
Interesting Facts About Bees
Bees are small but mighty, and below are five interesting bee facts that you may not have known.
- Sadly for male bees, after mating with a female, they will lose their reproductive organs and subsequently die. All in the name of love, I guess.
- Bees live all over the world, except for Earth’s coldest region, Antarctica.
- A single bee makes 5 grams of honey in its lifetime, that’s equivalent to a United States nickel.
- A queen bee will lay an astonishing 800,000 eggs in her lifetime.
- Bees, on average, can fly up to 15 miles per hour.
How Many Bees Are in the World
It’s hard to put an exact figure on the number of bees in the world, after all, a singular queen bee can lay between 2,000 to 3,000 eggs a day. However, there are anywhere from 80 million to 100 million beehives, with a single bee colony containing 10,000 to 60,000 bees.
And although after doing the maths, this figure is jaw-dropping, our Earth and the human race would be doomed without them.
There Are 20,000 Bee Species in the World, From Which 4000 Resides in the US (USGS)
If you’re anything like me, when you think of bees, a honey bee probably springs to mind. Then, if you think a little more, maybe you could identify one or maybe two other bee species.
But you’d actually be surprised to know that there are over 20,o00 different bee species in the world, from the most common western honey bee to extremely rare species like the Pharohylaeus lactiferus, which is native to Australia, and Franklin’s bumblebee that hasn’t been sighted since 2006.
The United States easily has the most bee species out of anywhere in the world, with over 4,000 different bees calling America home, according to USGS.
The Total Bee Population Is 80–100 Million Managed Beehives Around the World (Independent)
Not even a calculator will be able to easily figure out how many bees are on this Earth, as the Independent believes that there are anywhere from 80 million to 100 million managed beehives globally.
Now, keep in mind that each beehive will contain 10,000 to 60,000 bees, and we are left with a number that has a considerable amount of zeros on the end.
In the US, 2.96 Million Honey Bee Colonies Have Declined (FAO)
The United States has seen a huge decline in the number of honey bees and their colonies over the year. In total, the FAO estimates that there are 2.96 lost colonies from the effects of climate change, pesticides, and pollution, just to name a few.
In 2018, the US Beekeepers Lost 40% of the Honey Bee Colonies (NPR)
2018 was a hard year for the bees and beekeepers of the United States. In just one year, 4,7000 beekeepers who collectively managed 320,000 hives lost a substantial 40% of their honey bee colonies. That’s roughly 128,000 colonies lost countrywide.
The NPR suggests that the reason for the devastating loss was due to the destruction of their habitat, poor beekeeping, infestations of the varroa mite, and a decrease in the crops available to the bees.
In 2019, Utah Beekeepers Lost 49.1% of Their Bee Colonies (Beeinformed)
Utah beekeepers, during the winter of 2019, faced a serious problem as almost half of their bee colonies, 49.1% to be exact, died due to a record-breaking winter that saw lows of 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bee Population Statistics Globally
The global statistics of bee populations can be shocking, interesting, and helpful, so below are four truly eye-opening stats.
The Second Biggest Honey Producer Is Europe (European Parliament)
The European Parliament lists Europe as being the second biggest honey producer on the planet, making over 235,000 tonnes of honey each and every year. China, however, more than doubles the amount that Europe produces, as they harvest over 500,000 tonnes of honey from their native bees.
Globally, There Are Almost 81 Million Western Honey Bee Hives (Global Agriculture)
The most common bee species is the western honey bee, so I’m sure it comes as no surprise that there are 81 million western honey bee hives dotted all over the world.
Honey Production in Canada in 2018 Was 15.4% Higher Than in 2019 (Statistics Canada)
Honey production in Canada during 2019 fell 15.4% from the year prior, with a total of 80.4 million pounds of honey produced countrywide. The reason for the significant decrease was due to a 3% decline in beekeepers, a 2.1% reduction in bee colonies, and a wet and cold spring and summer, which affected the flowers that the bees forage on.
The Concern About Honey Bee Population Started in the Winters of 2006–2007 (EPA)
The winter of 2006 to 2007 was what initially caused concern for honey bee populations. Just the winter before, the honey bee loss percentage was 23.1%, according to the EPA. Fast forward a year, and that percentage rose by 5.6%, now making the average annual honey bee loss population at 28.7%
Bees Population Statistics in the US
By taking a look at bee statistics, we can accurately see the damage we humans, as well as pests and climate change, our doing to the populations. Below are some interesting U.S. bee population statistics.
Stats of 2019 Show, for Operations Covering a Minimum of Five Colonies, There Was a Decline of 26% in Colony Collapse Disorder Symptoms (USDA)
Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is when a vast majority of a colony’s bees leave their hive, large amounts of stored food, and their queen. CCD, caused by things like pesticide poisoning, affects a bee’s ability to navigate. Therefore, when a bee heads out to collect pollen, it gets disorientated and can’t find its way back to the hive.
Over 5 years ago, we considered colony collapse disorder to be a huge threat to bee populations, however, the USDA’s stats from 2019 show that CCD is on the decline, as there was a 26% decrease in overall symptoms.
The Biggest Hurdle in Managing the Operations in 2018 Was Varroa Mites (USDA)
Varroa mites are the honey bees’ biggest and most serious pest, and in 2018, they caused the greatest hurdle in managing bee populations. As an incredibly invasive species, varroa mites have been wreaking havoc on bees all over the world ever since their discovery in 1904 on the Indonesian island of Java.
From 2017–2018, There Was a Decrease of 30.7% in the Bee Population in the US (ABC News)
In just one year, ABC News noted that the United States saw a 30.7% decrease in the bee population, with that number increasing even further by 7% from 2018 to 2019 as commercial beekeepers lost a total of 37.7% of their bees.
From 2018-2019, Nevada Lost the Highest Number of Bee Populations (Beeinformed)
There are over 1,000 native bee species in Nevada, and from 2018 to 2019, the state saw its biggest decrease in the bee population.
Stat Shows, There Was a 20.5% Loss of Bee Colony in the Summer of 2018 (Beeinformed)
Beeinformed estimates that in the summer of 2018, the U.S. lost 20.5% of its bee colonies to pesticides, parasites, and the fact the summer ranked as the fourth hottest summer in U.S. history. This high loss of bees was a 3.4% increase from previous summer losses, which was roughly around 17.1%.
The Highest Honey Production Is in North Dakota, With Above 38 Million Pounds (World Atlas)
We all know that the United States has 50 states, but would you be able to guess which one makes it to the top 10 for honey production? Well, according to World Atlas, it’s North Dakota. In total, North Dakota produces $71 million dollars of liquid gold a year which equates to a whopping 38 million pounds of honey!
The top 10 states are as follows:
- North Dakota
- Montana
- California
- South Dakota
- Florida
- Texas
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Louisiana
- Idaho
In North America, Bees Pollinate Almost 90 Crops (Twinkl)
Twinkl approximates that 90 of commercially grown crops in North America and 75% of global crops survive, thrive, and reproduce, thanks to the hard work of pollinating bees. If there were to be a significant bee population decline, many crops would no longer be able to grow, and our food supply would be extremely limited.
Stat Shows, There Was a 20.5% Loss of Bee Colony in the Summer of 2018 (Beeinformed)
It was brought to light that due to a decrease in honey bee populations, commercial beekeepers, with the help of 18-wheelers, have to transport 2.6 million colonies of bees across the U.S. to pollinate crops during peak flowering seasons.
According to Honey Bee Population, the Decrease in Honey Bee Population Started Since Decades (FAO)
Although we’re hearing more and more about the decrease in honey bee populations, the numbers of bees have been declining for decades. Since 1962, Green Peace estimates that the number of bee colonies per hectare has reduced by 90%.
Bee Statistics of 2022 Are Crucial To Predict Using Bee Breeding Program (FAO)
Breeding programs are in place for many species all over the world, and the FAO believes that the statistics of bees from 2022 will highlight whether a breeding program will be necessary to boost colony numbers.
If the bee population figures are still in a decline, humans may need to step in and create controlled environments that help the bees reproduce and flourish.
Are Bees Endangered?
Our world is home to over 20,000 bee species, and due to a range of different factors, some species we now considered endangered. Globally, 16 bee species are vulnerable, 18 are endangered, and nine are critically endangered, however, if things don’t change, more and more bee species will end up on the endangered list.
In Europe, 9.2% Of All Bee Species Are Endangered (Europa)
Europa states that 9.2% of all bee species in Europe are considered threatened. 0.4% of the species are critically endangered, a further 2.4% are endangered, 1.2% are vulnerable, and the remaining 5.2% are near threatened.
During the Pandemic, a Dramatic Decrease in Bee Population Was Observed in New Zealand (Newshub)
The pandemic was a hard time for us all, and I know I struggled being locked up inside with very little human contact. But how did the bees in New Zealand hold up?
Well, during the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand saw a huge decrease in its bee populations because of restrictions stopping beekeepers from accessing their hives. Typically in the wild, bees feed on nectar and pollen, but beekeepers also feed bees sugar to increase their honey stores.
71 of the 100 Global Food Crop Species Depend on Pollination (Pollenity)
Did you know that of the 100 crop species that provide 90% of the world’s food supply, bees pollinate 71 of them? Pollenity estimates that in the U.S. alone, bees pollinate $16 billion worth of crops, so it’s safe to say that without the bees, the human race would quickly go hungry.
From the 2019 to 2020 Bushfire Season, Honey Bee Population Decreased by 90% In Queensland, Australia (Ahbis)
With many friends living in Queensland, I know how truly devasting 2019 to 2020 Australian bushfire season was. Along with 338,000 km worth of land that the fires destroyed, the world’s worst bushfires also wiped out 90% of Queensland’s honey bee population, with thousands of colonies lost and many more colonies affected.
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Was Added to the U.S. Endangered Species List in 2017 (Mindat)
One of the United States’ native bees, the rusty patched bumble bee, made its way onto the U.S. list of endangered species in 2017 after an 87% decline in its historical habitat range, according to Mindat.
Seven Yellow Faced Bee Species Have Been Added for Protection Under the Endangered Species Act (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed that seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees need to be protected as they’re at high risk of becoming endangered.
Stats Reveal the Number of Wild Bumble Bees Is Declining at the Same Rate as that of Domestic Bees (Global Research)
A population decline of domestic bees is one thing, but now stats show that wild bee numbers are decreasing at the same rapid rate.
A Few Bee Species in the UK Have Become Extinct (Independent)
The Independent has made known that 17 species of bees have regionally become extinct in the UK. And sadly, it doesn’t end there. A further 25 bee species are at risk of extinction, and 31 species are threatened.
To Produce Almonds California’s Almond Orchards Almost Require 1.6 Million Domesticated Bee Colonies to Pollinate the Flowering Trees (Food Navigator)
If you’re an almond lover like me, would you believe that California’s Almond Orchards hire 1.6 million domesticated bee colonies to come and pollinate their flowering trees? The next time you’re eating almonds, be sure to thank the bees!
Solutions to Declining Bee Population
Although bees are declining year after year, there are things we can do in order to boost bee populations and hopefully prevent more bee species from becoming extinct.
High-End Technology Such as Apisprotect Could Be Employed to Monitor Bee Population Data and Health (Interesting Engineering)
Interesting Engineering has highlighted one way we can monitor the population and health of bees, and that is through high-end technology.
For example, a company called Apisprotect has an IoT- remote bee monitoring system that allows us to monitor colonies around the clock to evaluate the condition and possible problems of each colony.
Recovery of the Bee Population Is Crucial For Spreading a Crop-Saving Organism to Sunflower Crops (NBC News)
According to NBC News, the EPA approved an organic pesticide that will help limit the decline of bee populations and save sunflower crops at the same time. However, one crucial component of this plan is the bees themselves.
In order to deliver the pesticide to the sunflower crops, we need the help of the bees to carry the pesticide from flower to flower. If the bee population continues to dwindle, not enough pesticides will be delivered to the sunflowers, causing the crops to die.
Almost $10 Million Project Has Been Launched by New Zealand to Save the Bees (CBC)
In an effort to save the bees, New Zealand has launched a $10 million project to deal with the country’s varroa infestation problem.
In the Closed Greenhouses in the EU, Neonicotinoids Can Be Used (The Guardian)
According to The Guardian, the European Union banned neonicotinoid pesticides anywhere other than in enclosed greenhouses, as they are incredibly harmful to bee species and a huge factor in population decline.
20% Of Farmland in Bavaria Will Be Bee-Friendly to Assist In Increasing Their Population by 2025 (The Guardian)
The free state of Bavaria in Southeast Germany has agreed for 20% of its farmland to be transformed into a bee-friendly area in the hopes of increasing the wild bee populations.
The Decrease in Bee Population Inspired Low Carbon to Install 25 Beehives on Five of Its Solar Farms (Ethical Unicorn)
In an article by Ethical Unicorn, renewable energy investment company, Low Carbon, has been inspired to increase the bee populations in Cornwall, Dorset, and Suffolk. The company, in an attempt to help honey bee colonies, took initiative and installed 25 beehives throughout five of its solar farms.
The Most Active Bee-Friendly Country (Pri)
Out of all the countries in the world, India, with 12.2 million beehives, is the world’s most active bee-friendly country. With up to 10,000 bees living in a single hive, India could be home to 122 billion bees. That’s roughly 87 bees for every single person in the country!
FAQ’s
What Is the Bee Population’s Current State?
Although not every bee species’ numbers are increasing, the overall population of bees is slowly on the rise.
What’s the Reason Behind Bees Declining?
There are a few different reasons why bee populations are declining, with the first being climate change. Our summers are getting warmer and warmer, and unlike you and I, who have access to air conditioning, the bees are overheating and dying in the process.
Alternatively, on the other end of the scale, the warming of the Arctic has disrupted the circular pattern of winds, which in turn has caused much colder winter weather that ultimately freezes the bees to death.
Secondly, bee numbers are declining because of pesticides farmers use on crops. Pesticides can cause what’s known as colony collapse disorder, where bees essentially get disorientated and can’t find their way back to the hive.
Although governments are slowly putting laws in place to help limit the number of pesticides that we use on crops, the bees and colonies are still suffering, albeit at a lesser rate than in previous years.
Thirdly, habitat loss, which is a huge issue for animals all over the planet, has been detrimental to a large number of colonies. Bees live anywhere from gardens and grasslands to meadows and tree cavities, and as humans destroy more and more green areas, we are also destroying the homes of more and more bees.
And the fourth biggest reason for the decline in bee population is pests like varroa mites. Varroa mites lay their eggs in honey bees’ bee hives and feed on bee larvae, which weakens honey bee colonies and transmits viruses between the bees.
How Could a Dying Bee Be Saved?
If you ever see a bee that doesn’t look in the best shape, there is a really simple solution that will potentially save its life and deem you a hero. Mix together two tablespoons of white granulated sugar and one tablespoon of water. It really is as simple as that!
Scoop the solution up on a spoon, and place it close to the bee in question. Hopefully, the sugar mixture will be enough to revive the bee, but in some cases, it may be too late.
How Long Can Humans Survive Without Bees?
One of the greatest minds of all time, Albert Einstein, once said: “If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live.”
If every single bee were to go extinct, humans would die out in as little as four years. Pretty scary, right?
What Food Crop Will Be Affected the Most Without Bees?
Without bees, a lot of food crops would be affected, including almonds, pumpkins, tomatoes, avocados, and apples. These crops are heavily dependent on bee pollination, so by losing the bees, we will also lose many vital food sources.
Will Humans Die Without Bees?
Us humans seem to think we’re invincible simply because we’re at the top of the food chain. However, the dinosaurs probably thought that too, and look how they turned out.
Without bees, our food sources would diminish, many people would starve, and the cost of living would be so high that people, unless they were a billionaire, wouldn’t be able to live.
So, all in all, yes, without bees, humans would die.
Do Bees Starve if We Take Their Honey?
If we were to take away all of the bees’ honey, especially late in the season when they aren’t able to replenish their stores, yes, bees would starve.
What Chemicals Are Harmful to Bees?
Neonicotinoid pesticides are extremely harmful to bees. The plants which the farmers spray with these pesticides soak up the chemicals. The chemicals then present themselves in the plant’s nectar and pollen, and when bees then pollinate the plant, they come into contact with the chemicals and, sadly, die.
How Can I Help to Save Bees?
We can all do our part in trying to save the bees, and below are a few things you can do which will help boost the health, numbers, and happiness of the bees:
- Plant a bee garden – Grab a planter, fill it with plants that are rich in pollen and nectar, and enjoy your morning coffee watching the bees.
- Plant a tree – Trees are an incredible source of nectar and pollen, so plant a tree in your yard or join a tree-planting party.
- Go chemical-free – If you treat your garden with synthetics, stop right now. Use organic products and natural solutions like compost to keep the pests away instead.
- Make a bee bath – Similarly to a bird bath, take a bowl and fill it with a shallow amount of water, placing rocks or stones for the bees to land on. When they get thirsty after pollinating flowers all day, they’ll have a safe space to grab a drink and take a break.
- Sponsor a beehive – Even if you’re afraid of bees, you can sponsor a beehive that’ll give thousands of bees a home and a place for a queen bee to reproduce.
- Eat sustainable honey – Purchasing honey from local, small beekeepers who practice sustainable extracting methods can actually be beneficial for bee populations.
Conclusion
The saying “big things come in small packages” is incredibly fitting for all bee species, as without them, our world would be a very different place. Without even realizing it, every day, our lives are affected by bees, but not many people are actually grateful for all the hard work these little pollinators do.
If we don’t start doing our part in saving the bees, we could wipe out bee species entirely, and with that, we’ll inevitably wipe out our own race too.
