The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a domesticated insect that provides pollination services for a significant portion of the world’s food supply. Determining the total number of honey bees is complex because the figure constantly fluctuates and is based primarily on managed colonies. These colonies are essentially livestock, and their population health differs greatly from that of wild pollinators. The stability of the managed population masks significant instability and decline among truly wild populations, driven by biological and environmental pressures.
Quantifying the Global Honey Bee Population
The most reliable global estimates are derived from counting managed colonies, tracked by organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). According to 2023 estimates, the worldwide population of managed honey bee colonies is approximately 102.1 million. This represents a substantial 47% increase in managed colonies since 1990, contradicting the common narrative of universal decline.
A single managed hive can contain between 20,000 and 80,000 individual bees at its peak. Consequently, the global population of individual managed honey bees is roughly estimated to be in the trillions. This growth is heavily skewed, with Asia hosting 45% of the world’s managed hives.
Many Western countries, including the United States, have seen managed hive numbers stagnate or decrease, alongside high annual mortality rates. The data collection relies on national reporting systems, meaning the exact, real-time count is impossible to achieve. Many countries provide only estimated figures, further complicating global tracking. However, managed colony numbers can be quickly replenished through beekeeping practices like splitting hives, allowing the total population to remain stable despite severe losses.
The Wild Versus Managed Population Divide
The statistics reported by the FAO refer almost exclusively to managed colonies kept by beekeepers for honey production and agricultural pollination services. These managed bees are agricultural livestock, actively moved and cared for by humans to ensure their survival and productivity. Their population status reflects human efforts and agricultural demand, not the health of the natural environment.
In contrast, truly wild or feral honey bee populations exist without human intervention, often nesting in natural shelters. These wild populations represent a much smaller and less-tracked segment of the total honey bee number. They face greater threats and are often in decline, making their health a more accurate indicator of broader environmental stresses on pollinators.
Wild honey bees are often locally adapted, possessing higher genetic diversity and natural resistance to pests compared to commercially bred counterparts. However, these free-living populations constantly interbreed with managed bees, which can introduce diseases and reduce their genetic resilience. Researchers suggest wild colonies may represent only a small fraction, possibly as low as 2%, of the total managed population in some regions. Increasing managed honey bee numbers can also inadvertently harm native wild bee species by creating excessive competition for limited floral resources.
Key Drivers of Population Decline
The instability in honey bee populations, including high mortality rates in managed colonies and the decline of wild populations, is caused by a complex interaction of stressors. The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is the greatest biological threat to honey bee health worldwide. Varroa mites feed on developing bees, weakening their immune systems and suppressing their growth.
The mites also act as vectors for various pathogens, most notably Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), which causes severe colony losses. The stress from the mites and viruses is often referred to as parasitic mite syndrome. Without constant treatment by beekeepers, most managed colonies in North America and Europe would perish due to Varroa and its associated viruses.
Chemical pesticides, particularly neonicotinoid insecticides, pose another significant danger, often working in synergy with parasites. Even at low doses, neonicotinoids impair a bee’s navigation, learning, and immune functions, increasing vulnerability to mite infestations and pathogens. The combined stress of mite parasitism and pesticide exposure has a greater negative effect on bee survival than either factor alone.
Habitat loss and poor nutrition also contribute significantly to population stress. Large-scale monoculture farming reduces the diversity of flowering plants, limiting the pollen and nectar sources bees need for a balanced diet. This nutritional deficiency weakens the entire colony, making them less able to fight off diseases and survive harsh environmental conditions. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a historical phenomenon, was an extreme symptom of these combined, underlying factors.
The Value of Honey Bees and Future Stewardship
The number of honey bees matters profoundly because of their foundational role in global agriculture and natural ecosystems. Honey bees are responsible for pollinating over 100 commercial crops in North America alone. Globally, the value of insect pollination to agricultural production is estimated to be between $235 billion and $577 billion annually. This service increases the yield and quality of numerous fruits, nuts, and vegetables, with U.S. pollination services alone valued at approximately $15 billion annually.
Future stewardship efforts must address the multiple pressures on honey bee populations simultaneously. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are crucial for maintaining managed colony health. These strategies prioritize non-chemical controls and target damaging pests like Varroa. Supporting research into breeding honey bees with natural resistance to mites and diseases offers a long-term, sustainable solution.
Farmers and land managers can help by diversifying crops and planting non-crop flowering plants. This provides consistent and varied nutrition throughout the season. Protecting unmanaged habitats and reducing pesticide use in bee foraging areas benefits both managed colonies and declining native wild bee populations. These actions ensure the resilience of the entire food system.