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EcoGuard Pest Management
Honeybees on honeycomb in healthy hive
By Gary Anderson||3 min read

Are Honeybees Endangered Species in the US?

Honeybees have recovered, but native species face serious threats.

News frequently covers human damage to pollinators like bees. With all the negative coverage, bees must surely be endangered, right? Bee population data indicates that honeybee populations have started to recover, with only a handful of species on the endangered list.

However, evidence supports that current trends threaten thousands of native bee species, with up to 40% of pollinators facing extinction if threats like climate change and pesticide overuse are not mitigated.

Stable
Honeybee Colonies
40%
Pollinators at Risk
3,600+
Bee Species in N. America

Are Honeybees Endangered?

Not Currently Endangered

Honeybees are not on the endangered species list since they are a managed species with large populations under beekeeper care. Studies in 2017 indicated bee numbers were close to historical highs. While losses have increased, colony numbers remain stable due to managed efforts to offset losses.

What is Colony Collapse Disorder?

In 2006, honeybees experienced rapid loss from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Worker bees would fly away and never return, leaving the queen, larvae, and other bees to starve.

CCD Causes

  • Pesticides
  • Parasites
  • Weather changes
  • Lack of resources

Recovery

CCD lasted about 5 years and faded by 2011. Honeybee populations rebounded and set all-time high records in 2012.

Why Are Bees Endangered?

Climate Change (Biggest Factor)

  • Habitat changes
  • More intense storms and heatwaves
  • Droughts and wildfires
  • Shifts in season timing
  • Early blooms followed by cold snaps

Human Activities

  • Habitat loss
  • Pesticide and herbicide usage
  • Monoculture crops
  • Reduced biodiversity
  • Limited nutrition range for bees

Parasites and Disease

  • Tracheal mites (internal parasite)
  • Varroa mites (introduce diseases)
  • Deformed wing virus
  • Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV)

Need Bees Removed Safely?

We relocate bee colonies instead of killing them to protect pollinator populations.

Call (866) 326-2847

Why Are Bees Important?

Bees are the world's most effective pollinators. They have a symbiotic relationship with native plants: bees get fed and plants can reproduce. They move from plant to plant depositing pollen, allowing female plants to produce fruits or seeds.

What If Bees Became Extinct?

Honeybees support over 80% of the world's pollination. Without them, pollinated plants would not survive, devastating ecosystems and food chains. For humans, it would result in a global food crisis as many fruits and vegetables would disappear.

How to Help Struggling Bee Populations

Grow Pollinator-Friendly Plants

Sunflowers, basil, rosemary, squash, melons, berries, tomatoes

Go Organic

Grow without pesticides and herbicides

Buy Organic Produce

Support farmers who avoid pesticides

Buy Local Honey

Support local beekeepers in your community

Leave Bees Alone

Do not disturb bees when found

Relocate, Do Not Kill

If hive is a problem, have it relocated

Contact Professionals for Safe Bee Removal

It is critical for our environment that bees are kept safe and allowed to thrive. If a beehive location or bee activity is problematic, professional removal services should be enlisted. EcoGuard Pest Management has trained bee removal experts who can inspect your property and relocate hives safely.

Call (866) 326-2847Get Free Quote

Are Bees Endangered FAQs

How badly are bees endangered?

Several bee species are now on the endangered species list, but honeybees are not included. Honeybees have experienced fluctuations, but populations remain strong due to managed care provided by beekeepers.

Are the bees still dying?

Bees are always in a constant state of trying to survive. Colony Collapse Disorder occurred from 2006 to 2011 when worker bees would leave and not return. Since then, bee colonies have fluctuated but widescale dying has stopped.

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