All insects have specific ways to manage surviving colder temperatures. You might already know that most flying insects are not active in the winter. But have you ever wondered what honeybees are doing during the winter months? Honey bees are unique.
Winter Survival
Honeybees have an atypical way of survival once the temperature drops. To begin, they gather large amounts of nectar that they use to make honey. This stored honey feeds them throughout the winter. When the temperature drops below 50 degrees, bees gather inside of their hive.
Activity in the Beehive
Fueled by the stored honey supply, bees cluster together to create heat for the entire colony. The heat energy produced by a single bee would not be enough to overcome winter weather. Together as a team, they combine their efforts to survive the winter.
Where do the Bees go?
Honey bees will venture out from the hive on warmer days, but they won't go very far. If their bodies get too cold, they won't be able to fly back to their hive. Colonies spend winter days working together, producing heat and eating from the stored supply of honey.
If you see a bee on a mild day in the winter, it’s a rarity. They don’t hibernate, but they do huddle up and stay close to home. And that’s not a bad way to spend the cold winter months.
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