In 2023, the United States lost 48% of its agriculturally managed honey bee colonies in an unprecedented year. But the issue is more complex than the statistics can communicate.

In a Cornell Keynote from eCornell, Marina Caillaud, a lecturer of entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), explains honey bee decline — which is tracked in data from the United States Department of Agriculture — and shares how experts and individuals can help with honey bee conservation. Caillaud and the Cornell Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies, housed in CALS, offer three ways we can protect and maintain bee populations.

1. Plan for your environment.

For beekeepers, the health of the hive is key, and the environment is a major factor. Many of the health challenges bees face come from the environment: pesticides, stress, droughts or poor nutrition. Before starting your own beehive, you must understand your own local weather conditions as well as the risks that come with them. If you live in drier conditions, be sure to prioritize water sources for your bees.

Read more on the eCornell blog.