Honeybee hives are in harm’s way, and the bees are swarmed with trouble. That could mean less sticky sweet stuff for our morning biscuits—and worse.

Bees are important. Many fruits, vegetables, and nuts require insect pollination. Some spices and beans do, too—including chocolate. Experts say we should thank bees and other pollinators for one in every three bites of food we eat!

So what’s bugging the bees? In California, it’s drought. Less water means fewer flowers. That means less flower nectar for bees. Bees use nectar to make honey. They don’t make it just for us to eat. They eat it too! If drought conditions don’t improve, bees could starve.

Bees are struggling even in places with plenty of rain. One reason is new types of seeds. Scientists have invented “improved” corn and soybean seeds. These high-tech seeds protect crops from weed killers and pests. That’s good, right? But the new seeds also allow farmers to spray more chemicals carelessly. That can destroy nearby wildflowers. There goes the nectar bees need!

Now farmers, scientists, and beekeepers are working together to solve the bees’ problems. They want to keep the bees buzzing, because every golden drop of honey is something to be thankful for—not to mention every third bite!