OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state is seeing lower-than-average honeybee losses compared to the rest of the nation, but the issue remains a pressing concern because of the state’s reliance on pollination services, according to a state agriculture official.
Dr. Katie Buckley, pollinator health coordinator for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, said the widespread bee losses reported nationwide this year are troubling.
“Honestly, the bee loss in Washington state specifically isn’t as critical as the overall nationwide loss,” Buckley said. “We experience slightly fewer losses than some of the rest of the country. However, our agriculture heavily relies on pollination services, so this is something very critical for us to keep an eye on.”
Nationwide, more than 60% of honeybee colonies were lost over the past winter — one of the highest figures ever recorded, Buckley said. She added that commercial beekeepers in some states lost nearly their entire operations.
“Losses of between 20% to 30% per year are approximately normal, and most beekeepers can make up that kind of loss by splitting hives,” she said. “60% losses are not sustainable. That’s why we’re so concerned.”
Buckley said the biggest drivers of pollinator decline include habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and diseases. Honeybees in particular have been threatened by varroa mites, which both weaken colonies and transmit viruses.
“What appears to be the most recent problem the last two years has been varroa mites becoming resistant to one of the main miticides used to control them,” she said. “That combined with more virulent viruses is why we think we saw such high losses.”
To address the decline, Washington has launched multiple programs, including pesticide applicator education, habitat restoration, and pollinator health research. Buckley said the state also works with universities, nonprofits and local groups to promote pollinator-friendly practices.
“For the average person, one of the best things you can do is use as few pesticides as possible,” she said. “Beyond that, plant more native plants, trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Even a pot of native flowers on your balcony can help.”
Buckley added that while the situation is serious, there is reason for optimism.
“There’s a lot to be hopeful about,” she said. “The response we’ve had from commercial beekeepers and researchers trying to figure out the issue has been wonderful to watch. They did a phenomenal job getting results out there as quickly as they could.”
She added that pollinator conservation is one area where ordinary people can make a difference.
“You don’t have to have a beehive to help save the bees,” Buckley said. “Even a pot of native plants on your balcony can make a difference.”
