Bee Losses by Years of Beekeeping: Understanding the Trends and Challenges

At LorobBees, we are constantly looking for ways to better understand the challenges that beekeepers face and how we can help them succeed in their beekeeping journey. One of the key concerns we've noticed through our ongoing survey and discussions with the beekeeping community is the issue of hive loss and how it correlates with a beekeeper's experience level. After reviewing the data, we thought it would be interesting and valuable to dive deeper into how bee losses vary across different years of beekeeping experience.

The Surprising Trend: A High Rate of Loss in the First Few Years

The data we’ve collected shows a concerning trend: many beekeepers experience significant losses in the early years of their beekeeping journey. In fact, the chart that we have put together illustrates a stark reality: a large portion of beekeepers fail to make it past the first three years. This statistic is worrisome because the foundation of a beekeeper’s journey is critical not only for hive health but also for the overall growth of the beekeeping community.

It’s common knowledge that beekeeping can be challenging. Bees are complex creatures that require consistent care, attention, and proper management. However, what is alarming is the high rate of drop-off after just a few years, particularly when you consider how many beekeepers face overwhelming challenges during the early stages of their journey. Whether it's dealing with the frustrations of hive loss, battling disease, or just feeling uninformed and unsupported, the early years often prove to be too difficult for many.

While we have tried to represent the data as clearly as possible, we want to point out one small issue we encountered. For some reason, despite our best efforts, we couldn’t get the text "10+ years" to appear under the far-right bar on the graph. However, rest assured that the data represented in that final bar reflects beekeepers who have been in the industry for over ten years. This category is important because it highlights how experience impacts success rates in beekeeping, and it serves as an essential reminder of the longevity that can be achieved with the right resources, tools, and knowledge.

The Main Causes of Early Beekeeping Losses

Several factors contribute to this high rate of loss during the first few years of beekeeping. While every beekeeper’s situation is different, there are some common causes that we believe play a significant role in why so many new beekeepers struggle:

1. Misinformation and Lack of Knowledge

For many aspiring beekeepers, the initial steps into the beekeeping world are often based on either hearsay or limited knowledge. Without a strong foundation in beekeeping practices, beekeepers may make mistakes that lead to hive losses. Whether it’s using the wrong treatment for diseases like varroa mites, over-harvesting honey too early, or mismanaging hive conditions, a lack of knowledge can quickly result in devastating losses. Sadly, the absence of proper training and guidance is a common reason many new beekeepers give up after their first few years.

2. Mite Infestations and Disease

One of the biggest threats to hive health, particularly in the early years of beekeeping, is the varroa mite. These parasites infest hives and can quickly decimate a colony if left unchecked. New beekeepers may not yet have the knowledge or experience to recognize the signs of mite infestations or to apply proper treatment methods. Even when treatments are applied, they can be complex and require careful timing. Many new beekeepers face the heartbreaking reality of hive loss due to mite infestations, which can be particularly discouraging when they’re just starting out.

3. Poor Hive Management and Mistakes

Beekeeping is a delicate balancing act. New beekeepers may struggle with hive management, such as proper feeding, ensuring good ventilation, and monitoring hive health. Mistakes such as overfeeding or failing to monitor the brood cycle can quickly result in the collapse of a colony. The complexity of managing a healthy hive is often underestimated, and beekeepers who are just starting out may not fully understand how subtle changes in their management practices can have a profound impact on their bees’ survival.

4. Financial Strain and Overwhelming Costs

Another factor contributing to high loss rates is the financial strain of beekeeping. Many new beekeepers underestimate the costs associated with maintaining a hive. Between purchasing equipment, dealing with disease treatments, and replacing lost bees, the financial burden can become overwhelming. This is especially true if the beekeeper doesn’t see a return on their investment early on, which may lead to disinterest or abandoning the hobby altogether. The prospect of losing money and time can often outweigh the rewards, especially for those who are unsure if they’re cut out for beekeeping.

5. Loss of Interest and Lack of Support

Beekeeping requires patience, and unfortunately, many beekeepers are not prepared for the emotional toll it can take. After several seasons of losses or frustrations, new beekeepers can lose interest, feel isolated, or simply give up. Without a community to support them, it’s easy for individuals to feel that beekeeping is a lost cause. The early stages of beekeeping often feel like an uphill battle, and without proper guidance, mentorship, or community support, many beekeepers simply walk away.

A Concerning Trend: Fewer Beekeepers in Year Three and Beyond

Perhaps the most concerning trend that we’ve observed is the significant drop-off rate after year three. This statistic is alarming because the first few years are crucial for developing a strong foundation in beekeeping. However, many new beekeepers, after experiencing losses and setbacks, abandon the hobby before they can reap the rewards of their efforts.

What’s even more troubling is that this loss rate can be attributed to a combination of misinformation, lack of experience, and inadequate support systems. Without proper education and access to reliable resources, new beekeepers may struggle to overcome the obstacles they face in those first few years. As a result, they may not be able to progress to the point where beekeeping becomes more manageable and enjoyable.

How Lorob Bees Is Helping to Change the Narrative

At LorobBees, we’re deeply committed to changing these trends and helping beekeepers succeed. We believe that education, community support, and innovation are key to improving the success rates of new beekeepers and encouraging them to continue their beekeeping journey. Through our comprehensive beekeeping resources, our customer-driven product development, and our ongoing surveys, we strive to provide beekeepers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.

Survey-Driven Innovation

LorobBees launched the live beekeeping survey precisely to gather insights on what tasks beekeepers struggle with most. The strong feedback (for example, overwhelming dislike for mite washing) guides our priorities in product development. As more survey data comes in over time, we can identify emerging pain points or confirm that perennial issues like heavy lifting and varroa control remain top concerns.

Reducing Physical Labor

To tackle the heavy lifting problem, Lorob Bees has looked at equipment design. One approach has been offering hive configurations that weigh less per unit. By using lighter-weight brood boxes and supers, beekeepers—especially older or smaller individuals—can manage hives with much less strain. In short, it’s less weight per lift, which directly addresses the complaint of heavy supers.

Saving Time with Better Tools

Lorob Bees is investing in tools that simplify complex tasks like mite treatments. A prime example is the InstantVap 18V oxalic acid vaporizer, which allows beekeepers to treat multiple hives in a fraction of the time it used to take. Faster treatment means beekeepers can treat all hives with minimal hassle and get back to other activities. By listening to feedback, we provide technology that makes mite treatment quicker and less unpleasant.

Innovating Varroa Management

Beyond just faster application, LorobBees is continuously researching better varroa control methods. Our goal is to ease the burden of varroa management by making treatments cheaper, safer, and more effective.

User-Centered Design

A common thread in LorobBees’ approach is using customer feedback to refine our products. Every new tool or hive design is tried and tested by real beekeepers, and their experiences shape the final product.

Education and Community

Making beekeeping more enjoyable isn’t just about gear—it’s also about knowledge. Through our YouTube updates and blog, we share tips so even unavoidable chores can be done more efficiently. By fostering a community conversation, we ensure beekeepers don’t feel alone in their struggles.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for the Beekeeping Community

The reality is that beekeeping is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires time, patience, and the right knowledge to succeed. At Lorob Bees, we believe that by addressing the issues that cause high loss rates in the first few years of beekeeping, we can help more beekeepers achieve long-term success. Whether it’s providing better tools, offering educational resources, or creating a supportive community, we’re committed to making sure that fewer beekeepers give up before reaching year three.

If you’re just starting out in beekeeping, don’t be discouraged by setbacks or challenges. Beekeeping is a journey, and it’s okay to ask for help and seek out resources to guide you along the way. With the right knowledge, tools, and support, you can turn your beekeeping journey into a long and successful one. Let’s work together to ensure that beekeeping remains a thriving, accessible practice for years to come.