Numbers vary depending on the survey and most surveys only include maybe 1/3 of commercially managed hives, to start. Overwinter losses are probably around you

Numbers vary depending on the survey and most surveys only include maybe 1/3 of commercially managed hives, to start. Overwinter losses are probably around your number for the last several years but all-year losses are much higher. The USDA stated for 2013-2014, for example, higher summer losses than winter for the first time, for an annual total of 42.1% * Regardless of the exact number, my point is still valid in discussing your original question. [*] http://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2015/bee-survey-lower-winter-losses-higher-summer-losses-increased-total-annual-losses/ http://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2015/...