2004 - 2005 Honey Bee Colony Winter Losses High

Beekeepers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are beginning to assess the winter survival of their honey bee colonies. Reports of losses in these areas so far are unusually high. High losses have also been reported by beekeepers nation-wide. So far it is unclear what is causing these abnormally high losses but parasitic mites and their associated diseases are strongly suspected as playing a key role. Estimates of losses among commercial beekeepers, many of whom over-winter their colonies in the south to make a winter honey crop and escape the stresses of over-wintering in the North, are as high as 50-60% in some operations. These migratory beekeepers provide the majority of honey bee colonies for spring pollination of apples and other tree fruits in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. In addition, many large commercial beekeepers are being lured to CA for almond pollination by the high prices being paid for colony rentals. Almond growers paid beekeepers up to $150 to rent a single colony. A percentage of eastern colonies that were sent west for almond pollination are not expected to return.