In a world increasingly aware of the interconnectedness of ecosystems, the plight of honey bees has become a symbol of environmental urgency. The recent article, "Bees on the brink," highlights the dedicated efforts of WSU scientists who are racing against time to protect these vital creatures from a myriad of threats. As they delve into the complexities of bee health and survival, it’s crucial for us as a community to understand why this fight matters not only for our natural environment but also for our food systems and local economies.

Honey bees play an essential role in pollinating crops and wild plants, contributing to the biodiversity that sustains our ecosystems. Yet, they face challenges from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and diseases. This crisis is especially poignant when we consider the broader implications of bee decline. As outlined in the article, the work of WSU researchers is critical in addressing these challenges, especially in the context of other pressing issues such as those highlighted in recent news, like the court ruling affecting academic freedom at Texas State and the lawsuit by Kentucky State University students against new state legislation. Each of these stories reflects a broader struggle for sustainability, justice, and community well-being, resonating deeply with our values at WSU.

The intersection of science and community action is where we can see the potential for real change. WSU scientists are not just conducting research in isolation; they are actively engaging with local farmers and stakeholders to implement sustainable practices that can help protect honey bees. This collaborative approach exemplifies a community-first mindset, where sharing resources and knowledge can lead to practical solutions. It reminds us that the fight for bee conservation is not solely a scientific endeavor but a collective responsibility that involves everyone—from students to local businesses. It’s a call to action for all Cougs to engage with our environment actively and consider how our choices impact this vital species.

As we reflect on the challenges posed to honey bees, we must also consider the future. Will we take the necessary steps to create a sustainable environment for these pollinators? The ongoing research at WSU is a beacon of hope, yet it also raises questions about how we, as individuals and a community, can contribute to these efforts. Are we ready to advocate for policies that protect pollinators? Can we support local initiatives that prioritize sustainability? Our collective actions today will shape the environment for generations to come, and in this context, the mantra “future me will thank me” takes on new meaning.

In conclusion, the fight to save honey bees is an urgent reminder of our interconnectedness with nature and the importance of community involvement. As we engage with the findings from WSU's research, let’s also consider how we can play a role in this critical conversation. Whether through supporting local agriculture, reducing pesticide use, or simply spreading awareness, each of us has a part to play. The journey ahead will require curiosity and action, but the potential rewards—a thriving ecosystem and a robust food system—are worth the effort. So, how will you contribute to protecting our buzzing allies?

WSU Delivers

Bees on the brink

WSU scientists are fighting to save honey bees from multiple threats.

A researcher wearing a full-body protective suit holding up a bee-covered hive frame.

The news was disturbing. Scientists at Washington State University observed that up to 70% of commercial honey bee colonies died over the past year, a much higher rate of loss than usual.

Commercial honey bee operators are a linchpin of the U.S. agriculture industry, and fewer pollinators could mean smaller harvests and higher food prices.

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Infographic full text

Honeybee flying to a flower over a honeycomb with the text "Where would we be without honey bees?"

A bee pollinating a field of flowers while a tractor works a field, with the text "90 plus crops grown commercially in the United States rely on bee pollination."

A bee flying between flowers with information about the five steps of pollination. Described under the heading Infographic full text.

A bee flying over a pyramid of fruits and vegetables with the text, "Many crops rely on honey bee pollination."

A honey bottle labeled "Big Bucks in Bees" with USDA statistics: value of honey $350 million and value added to US crops through honey bee pollination $18 billion.

Four honeycombs illustrate "The 4 P's" WSU scientists found that honey bee colonies are dying at a higher rate, likely due to the 4 P's: pesticides, pathogens, poor nutrition, and pests.

Honeycomb with the text: "Colony loss estimates, June 2024-March 15, 2025, colonies lost in the US 1,627,314; economic impact $600 million. (Source: Project Apis m.)

The reason for the decline isn’t clear. It’s probably a combination of things, say Priya Basu and Brandon Hopkins, principal investigators in the WSU Honey Bee + Pollinators Program. Scientists call the troubles besetting honey bees “the 4 Ps”: pests, poor nutrition, pesticides, and pathogens.

That’s why WSU takes a holistic approach to addressing colony collapse, said Basu, assistant professor of pollinator health and apiculture.

“You won’t find a bee in the landscape that’s just affected by pests, or just affected by poor nutrition,” she said. “We are tackling it all.”

A person reaching to gently pick up a bee from a bee hive honeycomb frame.

For example:

WSU scientists have come up with new ways to control deadly parasitic mites that can devastate a colony, including a fungal biocontrol that kills the parasites without harming the bees.
WSU contributed to major shifts in management practices such as storing bees indoors in cooler temperatures to disrupt the mite infestation cycle and reduce winter mortality. More than 30% of the nation’s commercial colonies are stored indoors in the winter months now.
Scientists field-tested a new food source designed to sustain honey bee colonies when there’s a shortage of natural pollen. They’re also mapping the quality of pollen sources bees find across North America.
They’re conducting basic research to understand diseases in honey bees.
WSU scientists are diversifying the U.S. honey bee gene pool through a nationally recognized breeding program.
WSU Extension shares the latest research, and produces useful information and training for beekeepers, farmers, orchardists, conservationists, and the general community.

You won’t find a bee in the landscape that’s just affected by pests, or just affected by poor nutrition. We are tackling it all.
Priya Basu

Two people in bee suits examine a bee hive frame covered in bees.

Saving the honey bees is something of a race against time, for researchers and for beekeepers. “For a lot of these operators, another year of big losses and they’re out of business,” said Hopkins, the P.F. Thurber endowed distinguished professor of pollinator ecology.

There aren’t good alternatives to natural pollinators, either. Mechanized sprayers or even robotic “bees” are not well-developed and would be expensive and less effective. And, “I don’t think people want their food to be produced that way,” Hopkins said of those methods.

Added Basu, “We have to be able to support beekeepers and growers by finding actionable solutions to these problems.”

Infographic full text

Where would we be without honey bees?
90+ crops grown commercially in the United States rely on bee pollination.
Pollination:
1. Flowers attract bees by color and scent.
2. Bees get their food, pollen and nectar from flowers.
3. Pollen sticks to the bees.
4. Bees transfer pollen to other flowers.
5. This fertilization helps develop seeds and fruits.
Many crops rely on honey bee pollination.
Big Bucks in Bees. Value of honey $350 million. Value added to U.S. crops through honey bee pollination $18 billion. (Source USDA)
The 4 P’s. WSU scientists found that honey bee colonies are dying at a higher rate, likely due to the “4 P’s”: pesticides, pathogens, poor nutrition, and pests.
Colony loss estimates, June 2024-March 15, 2025. Colonies lost in the U.S.: 1,627,314. Economic impact: $600 million. (Source: Project Apis m.)