U.S. beekeepers lose 55.6% of honey bee colonies as resistant mites fuel worst die-off on record - Yahoo

• Managed honey bee colonies in the U.S. declined by 55.6% from April 2024 to April 2025, marking a second straight year of historically high losses.
• The survey underscores the critical role honey bees play in the nation's food supply, with about 75% of crop production depending on pollinators, leading to potential ripple effects across farms, grocery stores, and local economies.
• The high losses were driven by commercial beekeepers during winter, with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor suspected to be associated with the declines, highlighting the significant challenges faced by beekeepers in rebuilding colonies and sustaining pollination services.

America's managed honey bee colonies are disappearing at a staggering rate, and the fallout could reach far beyond apiaries.