According to a recent survey conducted by Wageningen University & Research, 24% of Dutch honeybee colonies did not survive the winter of 2025-2026. This alarming trend marks the fourth consecutive year in which winter mortality has exceeded 20%. The survey, conducted in collaboration with various beekeeping organizations, highlights significant regional differences in colony survival rates across the Netherlands.
Regional Variations in Honeybee Survival
The survey results indicate substantial disparities in winter mortality rates among different provinces. The northern province of Groningen faced the highest losses, with a staggering 41.5% of colonies failing to survive. In contrast, Overijssel reported the lowest mortality rate at 16.9%.
Regions such as Zeeland, Utrecht, and North Holland experienced mortality rates slightly above the national average. These variations suggest that local environmental conditions and beekeeping practices may significantly impact honeybee health.
Factors Contributing to Winter Mortality
Several factors contribute to the high winter mortality rates among honeybee colonies. The loss of a queen bee during the winter is often fatal, while food shortages, diseases, and poor colony conditions before winter can exacerbate the situation. The parasitic mite Varroa destructor, along with the viruses it transmits, remains one of the greatest threats to honeybee health.
The survey revealed that 86.9% of Dutch beekeepers implemented measures against the Varroa mite last winter, consistent with previous years (84.6% in 2025 and 86.8% in 2024). Effective control of this mite is crucial for ensuring colonies enter winter in good condition.
The Asian Hornet's Uncertain Impact
The potential impact of the invasive Asian hornet on honeybee winter mortality remains unclear. This species preys on a wide range of insects, including honeybees, and has been spreading across the Netherlands. In 2024, nearly a quarter of beekeepers reported the presence of the Asian hornet in their area, a figure that rose to more than half (56.4%) by 2025. While the exact effects on winter mortality are still being studied, researchers anticipate that the hornet’s impact will increase in the coming years.
This year, 840 Dutch beekeepers participated in the annual COLOSS survey, representing nearly 8% of all active beekeepers in the Netherlands. Approximately 55.6% of respondents reported that all their colonies survived the winter, while 7.0% lost their entire stock. The findings provide crucial insights into the health of Dutch honeybees and the ongoing challenges faced by beekeepers.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Phys.org. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
