In this paper, we reported the results of the first large scale survey of colony losses of A. mellifera in China. For three consecutive years, colony losses remained low compared to other countries. Survey respondents reported average honey bee colony losses of 10.1% from 2010–2013 in China.

A number of reasons may contribute to the relatively low overwinter losses in China. First of all, beekeepers in China tend to rear queens themselves rather than buying from commercial queen rearing companies. Also, mating of the queens was often uncontrolled as opposed to controlled mating or artificial insemination. Both factors can result in a high overall genetic diversity in the population, which may be important for the survival of honey bees in a dynamic environment. 

In our survey, at least 77% of beekeepers replace their queens at least once a year, and at least 34% of beekeepers replace their queens at least twice a year. Increased frequency of requeening represents elevated proportion of young queens, and young queens is known to be associated with lowered risk of colony losses during winter.

Thirdly, the average number of colonies per capita is relatively small in China; as a result, many beekeepers are able to check all of their colonies individually every few days. By paying close attention to the colonies, beekeepers can detect problems at an early stage and take treatment in time. Lastly, most beekeepers in China force a period of no brood (control queen method) before treating varroa mites, making the treatments more effective.

Survey results of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony losses in China (2010–2013)
Journal of Apicultural Research, 2016

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