60+ Bee Statistics That Will Blow Your Mind

If you imagine the end of the world with a zombie apocalypse, that’s probably not going to happen. But there is a more realistic scenario to consider.

We’re talking about bees. Their extinction can lead to a world end, and, as time progresses, we’re losing more and more of them. But don’t panic yet.

We collected the most reliable bee statistics to paint a better picture of this global problem.

Fascinating Facts About Bees

The number of beehives in the US decreased from 6 to 2,5 million between 1940 and 2021.
More than 80% of pollination in the US is made by honey bees.
There are around 80–100 million managed beehives worldwide.
A bee colony can lose 15%–20% of its population in one bad year.
Bees pollinate food crops that supply around 90% of the world’s food.
The first catastrophic decline of bee species in the US was noted in 2006.
In her most fertile years, the queen bee can lay up to 2,000 eggs in a day.
During the Australian bushfire season in 2019/20, honey production declined by 90%.

World Bee Population Statistics

Globally, the bee population is decreasing at a rapid speed. Let’s see what bee statistics have to say about that.

1. There Are Around 80–100 Million Managed Beehives Worldwide.

(Source: Independent)

The number of beehives in the US decreased from 6 to 2,5 million between 1940 and 2021.
In 2020, India was the number one country in beehive production with astonishing 12,2 million beehives.
Bulgaria was the leading European country in organic beehive production, with estimated 264,000 beehives in 2020.
Bees pollinate crops that supply around 90% of the food worldwide.
In one bad year, a bee colony can lose 15%–20% of its population.

People begin to hear the wake-up call and hopefully will understand that these beehive stats are changeable. Still, we should prepare for the worst.

2. Europe Is Home to Around 600,000 Beekeepers With 17 Million Beehives.

(Source: European Parliament)

The European Union is the second biggest honey producer, making 250,000 tons per year.
More than 80% of yields and 75% of mass food production in Europe depends on bee pollination.
EU honey imports are 200,000 tons per year, and exports are around 20,000 tons.
24% of Europe’s bumblebees are in danger of extinction.

To meet the people’s needs, Europe must import a significant amount of honey from China. This, combined with the weather climate killing bees, is an immense problem for beekeepers.

Many Europeans question the honey bee business’s sustainability and rely on imported honey goods rather than internal honey production.

3. In 2019, Canada Produced 80.4 Million Pounds of Honey, Which Was Significantly Lower Than the Previous Year.

(Source: Statistics Canada)

40% of Canada’s honey bees are in Alberta.
In June 2017, Canada spent $7 million importing queen bees from foreign countries.
After years of steady progress, Canada’s honey bee colony growth declined by 2,1% in 2019.

More than half of Canadian beekeepers are in Columbia and Ontario. In these territories, bees are more valuable for pollination rather than production.

4. During the Australian Bushfire Season in 2019/20, Honey Production in Queensland Declined by 90%.

(Source: AHBIC)

In the Australian bushfire crisis, 10,000 honey bee hives were destroyed, with more than 45,000 bees each.
Only 6% of the registered beekeepers in Australia own more than 50 beehives.
Honey and other hive products contribute $100 million per year to the Australian budget.

Although the bee population is still recovering, places like New South Wales have come up on their feet by increasing honey production from 60% to 100% since 2019.

5. Depending on the Circumstances, there are Around 20,000–60,000 Bees in One Hive

(Source: Bee Hour)

Bees and other pollinators contribute the most to pollinating ¾ of the plants that produce 90% of the world’s food.
The number of domesticated bees in the past 5 decades has increased by 50%.
Between 2007 and 2017, the top three leading countries in beehive production were India, Turkey, and China.

The latest information about how many bees are in the world says that there are roughly two trillion bees and 20,000 species.

Now, let’s see what the US stats and facts about bees show.

Honey Bee Facts and Statistics in the US

Bees are the main pollinator of agricultural plants across the country. Until 2020, the insect population decreased by 45%, putting the US and its native bees in danger.

6. Honey Bees Add $20 Billion to the Value of US Crop Production.

(Source: ABF Net)

Crops like cherries and blueberries are 90% dependent on honey bee pollination.
The US has 2,7 million bee colonies, of which ⅔ travel around the country producing beeswax and honey.
The almond industry in California alone needs 1.8 million honey bee colonies to pollinate one million acres of almond orchards.

US farmers struggle to feed more people with less land on their hands. Honey bees are the main source of pollination, making the USA dependent on bees.

7. In 2019, the Percentage of Affected Bee Colonies from Varroa Mites in the US was 45,6%.

( Source: USDA )

First detected in 1987, the Varroa bee mite has been in the US for over three decades.
Bee extinction stats in the US show that the most significant beehive collapse because of Varroa mites happened between April and June 2018, with roughly 56.4% collapse.
Australia is the only country that remains free of Varroa mites, although they’re expected to emerge soon.

To this day, Varroa mites are present in the US, causing more significant damage over time.

8. Commercial Honey Bees in the US are Responsible for $20 Billion Worth of Crop Production.

(Source: ABC News)

During peak flowering seasons in the US, 2,6 million colonies are transported in large vehicles across the country.
The cost of renting bee colonies for pollination of almond orchards has increased to nearly $300 per colony.
In 2019, around 40% of managed US bee colonies were lost due to harsh winter conditions.

The managed bee colonies aren’t prioritized over wild bees. These statistics of trading bees only show that wild bees don’t get better in quality and quantity over time. The bee death statistics are devastating for both types.

9. During Winter 2020–2021, 32.2% of Managed Colonies in the US Were Lost.

(Source: Bee Source)

The first bee victims of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) in the US were in 2006.
Bee population decline statistics from 2020 to 2021 show that Iowa is facing the biggest colony loss in the US — approximately 58,51%.
Since 2010, the US honey bee population has declined from 25% to 45% due to air pollution.
In 1947, the US had more than 6 million bee colonies. Currently, there are no more than 2,5 million.

What is causing bees to die? Circumstances like Colony Collapse Disorder, climate change, and air pollution are just a few reasons.

Besides bees, nearly seven million people die from air pollution annually. We’re destroying ourselves in many ways.

10. Honey Bees Make More Than 80% of Pollination in the US.

(Source: VAFB)

Bee pollination helps produce ⅓ of food in the US.
In the US, there are around 4,000 species of native bees.
Bees pollinate 70 out of 100 crop species in the country.

People must learn how important bees are. After reading these statistics, you’ll know that every third bite of food in your mouth is thanks to bees.

Bee Population Decline Statistics

There’s no doubt that the bee population is declining. Many factors like disease, pesticides, and molds are destroying thousands of beehives worldwide.

But what are the effects of bee extinction? For starters, most life in nature will end, including humans. If you think we’re lying, the following stat numbers are the proof.

11. Over the last 10 years, the US and European Beekeepers Lost More Than 30% of Their Hives.

(Source: Yale Environment)

Wild bee population statistics show that one out of four wild bee species in the US is in danger of extinction.
The rusty patch bumblebee is already on the US’s list of endangered species, with a decline of 87% in the past 20 years.
Around 1,200 wild bee species are on the edge of extinction.

Endangered species are a serious threat to nature and humanity. Problems like pollution, destruction of natural habitats, and genetic variation are valid reasons for bee extinction.

From 2007 to 2019, the IUCN red list increased by 17%, alarming insect and animal extinction.

12. About 20% of Europe’s Endangered Bee Species Are Endemic.

(European Red List)

7,7% of European bee species are at risk of declining.
12,6% of European bee species are safe from declining.
Only 0,7% of all European bee species are increasing.
The bee population decline statistics of 1,535 European bee species are unspecified.

Europe’s priority must be to protect its endemic species because we can’t find them elsewhere.

13. The Highest Summer Beehive Loss Rate in the US Was in 2019 — 32%.

(Source: Bee Informed)

Compared to 2019, the bee colony loss was less than 12% in the summer of 2018.
From 2010 to 2019, the loss increased by 10,4%.
From 2019 to 2020, US beekeepers lost around 43,7% of their colonies.
Commercial US beekeepers suffered the most during 2019–2020, with a 33% loss of their colonies.

Same as winter conditions, hot summer temperatures can be devastating even for a healthy beehive. If you want to save a honey bee during summer, putting a drinking lid or mason jar with water in your garden is a nice gest for your smallest visitors.

Also, bees would love your cat’s water fountain, so try to keep them away from your pet as much as possible.

Fun Fact: Bees can distinguish yellow, purple, blue, and white colors, so getting a water bowl in one of these is a good idea.

Bee Species Stats and Facts

Besides the black-yellowish bee we all know, there are many other bee species. They differ in looks and size, but they share the same purpose — to pollinate plants and keep us alive!

14. A European Honey Bee Colony Is Made of One Queen Bee and Around 10,000 Working Bees

(Source: Vermont Press Bureau)

The European honey bee, or Apis Mellifera Linnaeus, has more than 20 subspecies.
You can find European honey bees and their subspecies on every continent except Antarctica.
In the USA, European bees are conceived by interbreeding several European subspecies.
The Western, or European honey bee, is the most widespread pollinator, producing around 1,6 million tonnes of honey annually.

The Europen bee originates from Europe, Africa, and Western Asia. These little guys are everywhere except Antarctica. Usually, you’ll find them near meadows, gardens, and wooded areas.

15. In Normal Circumstances, the Queen Bee Is the Only Reproductive Female in the Colony.

(Source: UF/IFAS)

An average worker bee lives for a few weeks, but a queen bee’s lifespan is 5–7 years.
In her most fertile years, the queen bee can lay up to 2,000 eggs in a day.
During mating season, a virgin queen leaves the hive for three days and mates with 20–30 drones.
An average queen bee can have more than 1 million babies throughout her life.

The main job of the queen is to produce new bees. Worker bees feed and groom her, so she can dedicate her time to baby-making. Aren’t these facts about bees interesting?

16. The Orchid Bee Pollinates Orchid Flowers and Can Be Found Only in Brazil.

(Source: Vermont Press Bureau)

North America is home to 140 native species of leafcutter bees.
Before being replaced with honeybees, native mining bees were the main pollinators of blueberries and apples.
41% of mason bee species are native to North America.
Every bumblebee colony lives only one season, and it can produce more than 1,500 new bumblebees during that time.

If you love bees, there are many more fascinating facts about their types, sizes, and colors.

17. Honey Bee Foraging Statistics Show that a Solitary Bee Can Travel up to 10 Milles for Food.

(Source: Bees Wiki)

A single bee can make 30 trips to forage for nectar and 50 for pollen.
Bees cannot transport more than 15 grams of pollen in one trip.
A honey bee colony of 20,000 bees can collect around 125 pounds of pollen per year.

Now you can better understand the phrase “as busy as a bee” and why these workaholic insects are a true example of teamwork.

Let’s also check some bee sting statistics.

Bee Sting Stats

Some bees are dying to sting you. And we mean that literally. Many people are terrified of their buzzing sound and don’t enjoy their company. But are they that dangerous?

Let’s see what the numbers show.

18. A Non-Allergic Person Can Tolerate 10 Stings for Every Pound of Their Body Weight.

(Source: Terminix)

1% of people with severe allergies can die within an hour after being stung by a bee.
During their lifetime, 32% of beekeepers experience bee sting allergic reactions.
Every year, 0,03–0,48 of one million people are likely to die from a bee, hornet, or wasp sting.

The deaths from bee stings stats aren’t so intimidating. Most of the time, if a bee stings you, you’ll only experience minimum pain, redness, and swelling. On the other hand, the stringer will remain in your skin, causing the bee to die. So, who’s laughing now?

19. From 2000 to 2017, 1,109 People Died from Bee, Hornet, and Wasps Stings, Making 62 Deaths per Year on Average.

(Source: CDC )

In rare cases, venom anaphylaxis can cause cardiac arrest in people within 5–10 minutes after being stung.
People who’ve already had a severe allergic reaction to bee stings have a 30%–60% chance of experiencing full-blown anaphylaxis next time it happens.
80% of those who die of bee, hornet, and wasp stings are men.

It looks like you shouldn’t mess around with bees. Although these percentages are very small, you could always get an allergic reaction from an insect sting.

So, don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you have symptoms of insect allergy.

How to Save Bees and Stop Bee Decline

Bee endangerment is a serious problem for humankind. Every little step and change in our habits can contribute. We should raise awareness of the alarming situation for our own sake and the future of our kids. Let’s find out how to save the bees and reduce the bee decline:

Plant more bee-friendly plants in your garden.
During the summer, put a water bowl for bees.
Avoid using chemicals or pesticides in your garden.
Support local beekeepers by buying honey and other bee products from your local farmers’ market.
Take care of your environment because climate change and air pollution are one of the biggest threats to bees.
Join a campaign about saving bees.

Who said you can’t save the world? With small steps like these, you’ll take care of yourself and the planet.

Final Thoughts

The increasing statistics show no signs of stopping. The importance of bees is more than a reason to be aware of our surroundings and to value the small things in life.

By changing your daily habits or joining a Save the Bees campaign, you won’t save all the bees in the world, but you’ll surely make a difference.

After reading the statistics about bees, you’ll think and behave differently around bees the next time you hear the buzzing sound.

FAQ

How much has the bee population declined in the last 10 years?

In the past 10 years, beekeepers have reported a 30% decline in the bee population.

What is the role of the Queen Bee?

The queen bee’s main role is to lay eggs. Besides that, she releases pheromones that help other bees communicate with each other and with her.

Why are bees dying?

Bee statistics show that there are many reasons, including climate change, air pollution, pesticides, genetic variation, and loss of habitat.