Why You’re Seeing Fewer Honey Bees in Your Garden This Year
If your garden feels quieter this year with fewer honey bees buzzing around, you’re not imagining it. Researchers across the country — including those at Washington State University (WSU) — are reporting record-setting bee colony losses in 2025.
A beekeeper inspects a hive as bee populations continue to decline.
Record Losses Reported by Scientists
According to WSU, U.S. beekeepers may lose 60–70% of their honey bee colonies this year, compared to the already high 40–50% losses in past seasons (WSU News). These declines are the highest on record, and they’re being noticed not just on farms but in home gardens too.
Why Are Bees Declining?
Scientists point to several overlapping challenges:
Varroa mites and disease: A parasitic mite called Varroa destructor spreads deadly viruses in bee colonies. Resistance to common treatments has made the problem worse.
Climate stress: Extreme heat, late frosts, and unpredictable weather disrupt bees’ ability to forage and survive (AP News).
Pesticides and habitat loss: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report that habitat loss, reduced forage, and pesticide exposure are major long-term drivers of pollinator declines (USDA).
Microplastic pollution: A recent study found microplastics in bee guts, impairing their navigation, memory, and immune health (Washington Post).
What It Means for Your Garden
With fewer honey bees around, you may notice less pollination activity on flowers that usually attract them. But honey bees aren’t the only pollinators at work. Native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are still helping plants bloom and set fruit.
You can support these pollinators by:
Planting a mix of nectar- and pollen-rich flowers that bloom from spring to fall
Avoiding pesticide use in your garden by choosing bee-safe alternatives like neem oil
Providing water sources like Bee Cups or shallow dishes with pebbles to help pollinators stay hydrated
Creating habitat with native plants that offer shelter and forage
A Bigger Picture
Fewer bees in your garden is part of a larger ecological issue. Pollinators are critical for both home gardens and our food supply. As scientists warn, without healthier habitats and solutions to pesticide and climate stress, the future of bees — and the plants they pollinate — remains uncertain.
How You Can Help
The good news is that every gardener can make a difference. By creating pollinator-friendly spaces in your own yard, you’re directly supporting bee health and biodiversity.
Explore our pollinator wildflower seed mixes — designed to provide season-long blooms that bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love. Together, small steps in many backyards can add up to big change for pollinators.
