Honeybees have several strategies to survive the winter:
1. **Cluster Formation**: As temperatures drop, honeybees form a tight cluster inside their hive. The cluster is made up of worker bees who huddle together to maintain warmth. The bees in the center of the cluster stay warm, while those on the outside rotate to ensure all bees have a chance to stay warm.
2. **Heat Generation**: Honeybees generate heat by vibrating their flight muscles. These vibrations produce warmth, which helps maintain the temperature of the cluster. The temperature within the cluster can be maintained around 90°F (32°C), even when it is much colder outside.
3. **Food Stores**: Honeybees store honey in the hive during the warmer months. This honey serves as their food supply during the winter. Bees feed on honey to provide the energy necessary to maintain the warmth of the cluster.
4. **Reduced Activity**: During winter, honeybees reduce their activity significantly. The queen stops laying eggs, and worker bees focus on maintaining the cluster rather than foraging.
5. **Hive Insulation**: Beekeepers may help by ensuring the hive is properly insulated to protect the bees from extreme cold. In nature, bees may seek shelter in tree hollows or other protected areas that shield them from wind and freezing temperatures.
By working together to maintain a warm environment and relying on stored honey for nourishment, honeybees can survive through the winter months.
Looking for ways to support honey bees?
Visit humble bee at www.hbhoney.com/shop to donate, adopt, buy local produce and help keep our honey bees snug over winter.
How can Beekeepers check their bees during winter?
Check out our range of thermal imaging cameras. www.hbhoney.com/shop
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