Europe’s Wild Bees Are Sliding Toward Extinction — What That Means for All of Us (and What You Can Do)

In mid-October 2025, a major update to the European Red List sounded a clear alarm: at least 172 of 1,928 assessed wild bee species in Europe are now threatened with extinction — roughly one in ten species. The assessment, coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), confirms what many field ecologists have been seeing for years: pollinator decline is accelerating due to habitat loss, pesticide and nitrogen pollution, land-use change, and a rapidly warming climate.

While the update focuses on Europe, its message crosses borders. Wild bees are the quiet workforce behind our food system and native plant reproduction. When they falter, entire ecosystems wobble — and our plates eventually feel it. Whether you tend a backyard, manage a city park, or care for a school garden, there are concrete steps you can take to help. And when bees pick your place as their new address, humane removal and relocation keeps people safe and protects pollinators.

What the new Red List tells us

• Threat levels are rising: The number of wild bee species in Europe listed as threatened has roughly doubled compared with a decade ago, as assessments improved and pressures intensified. Bumblebees and cellophane bees are among the groups showing steep declines.
• Multiple stressors, one result: Intensive agriculture, pesticide and fertilizer use, habitat fragmentation, and the loss of flower-rich meadows consistently show up as primary drivers. Climate change is now a top-tier threat for many species, especially those adapted to cooler or mountain climates.
• Knowledge is catching up: The share of “data deficient” bee species has dropped as researchers fill in the gaps. That means our picture of risk is getting sharper — and the warning lights are harder to ignore.

Why wild bees (not just honey bees) matter

Honey bees are beloved and important — especially for agriculture — but thousands of wild bee species (from tiny sweat bees to charismatic bumblebees) often do the heavy lifting for native wildflowers and many crops. They forage in different weather, at different times of day, and on different blossoms. This “portfolio” of pollinators makes ecosystems resilient. Losing wild bees shrinks that portfolio, making farms and wild landscapes more brittle in the face of heat waves, droughts, and new pests.

From headlines to home: what property owners can do

Big conservation wins are vital, but pollinators also respond to hyperlocal kindness. Here are impactful, achievable actions you can take around homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship:

1) Plant for continuity — not just spring color

• Layer bloom times so something is flowering from early spring to late fall. Aim for at least three species per season.
• Favor native plants (regionally appropriate varieties) — they co-evolved with local bees and often provide better nutrition.
• Include different flower shapes (tubes, bells, flats) to fit different tongues and foraging styles.

2) Create real habitat, not just decor

• Leave some undisturbed ground and a small patch of bare, well-drained soil for ground-nesting bees.
• Keep a messy corner with hollow stems, brush, or fallen twigs — perfect for cavity nesters.
• Reduce mowing; set mulch-free rings around perennials so ground nesters can dig.

3) Go easy on pesticides and fertilizers

• Skip prophylactic sprays. Spot-treat only if you must, and never on open flowers or during peak foraging.
• Avoid neonics and systemic insecticides that travel into pollen and nectar. Use physical controls and selective, least-toxic options.
• Ease up on nitrogen; lush, overfertilized lawns can displace the flowering diversity bees rely on.

4) Tame the night

• Choose warm-colored, shielded outdoor lights, on timers or motion sensors. Artificial light at night can disrupt pollinator behavior and plant–pollinator timing.

When bees move in: why humane removal and relocation matters

Swarming honey bees are usually gentle and temporary, but established colonies in walls, soffits, or eaves need professional attention. Humane removal and relocation protects people and preserves the colony, preventing needless extermination and structural damage.

If you discover a swarm or a hive on your property, consider contacting a trusted local specialist. AllBeesRemoval performs live, humane bee removal and relocation, using thermal imaging and low-disturbance techniques that save colonies, protect building integrity, and keep your family safe.

Frequently asked questions we hear from homeowners

“Will the bees leave on their own?”

Swarms often do. They’re scouting for a new home and may move on within a day or two. If a swarm clusters on a branch or fence, keep kids and pets at a distance. If the cluster lingers or is in a sensitive spot, a gentle pickup is quick and simple. For established colonies inside a structure, they rarely leave without intervention — and honey/comb can attract pests or cause stains.

“Can’t a general pest company handle it?”

Conventional pest control may default to chemical treatments that kill bees and can leave comb and honey hidden in walls. Humane specialists remove the bees, comb, and queen, then seal entry points — a lasting fix that protects both your home and pollinators. If unsure who to call, AllBeesRemoval can assess the situation and coordinate live relocation.

“What about other stinging insects?”

Yellowjackets and wasps play ecological roles but are not bees and often require different handling. A qualified inspector can identify the species and determine whether careful relocation or targeted removal is the right path.

Community-scale actions that add up

• Pollinator-friendly maintenance plans for HOAs and schools.
• Local meadow plantings along fences and lot lines.
• Lighting guidelines to reduce unnecessary nighttime illumination.
• Construction practices that preserve soil and native flora.

How humane removal supports conservation

Keeping a colony alive matters. Managed relocations can seed stronger, locally adapted populations and reduce the impulse to exterminate — an outcome that aligns with the new Red List’s core message: we won’t protect pollinators by treating them as pests. Live removal also turns stressful situations into opportunities for education and stewardship.

Found a swarm or hive? Snap a photo from a safe distance and get a professional opinion. AllBeesRemoval can identify, advise, and relocate bees humanely, keeping households safe while supporting pollinator health.

Quick checklist for pollinator-smart properties

• ☐ At least three native plants blooming in spring, summer, and fall
• ☐ A small, undisturbed soil patch for ground-nesting bees
• ☐ Hollow stems/brush left over winter for cavity nesters
• ☐ No insecticides on open flowers
• ☐ Warm, shielded outdoor lights on timers or sensors
• ☐ A plan for humane removal if bees nest where they shouldn’t