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Caring For Bees in the Winter
Winter is a vulnerable time for bees. The 2 things they need to survive – warmth and food are not readily available during the cold winter months. If there are no flowers to forage from, what do bees eat in the winter? This article will discuss what bees do in the winter, what bees eat in the winter, and how to feed bees in the winter. What Bees Do During Winter Unlike bears or birds, bees do not hibernate or fly away during the cold months. Instead, they gather in their hive. When the temperature drops to the 50s it’s time for the bees to return to the hive…
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How Much Honey do Bees Need to Survive Winter?
Winter can be a challenging time for bees and for beekeepers. There are no flowers for bees to forage from, and beekeepers are limited to minimal hive inspections. Luckily, bees spend all year preparing by storing honey. For beekeepers, it is important to know how much honey bees need to survive the winter. What do Bees do in the Winter? While some people think that bees hibernate in the winter, that is not true. Instead, bees focus on staying warm. Bees are cold blooded, so it is important for them to maintain a warm temperature within their hive. To do so, they form what is called a winter cluster. Winter…
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Should You Use a Screened Bottom Board in Winter?
In beekeeping the bottom board is the floor of the beehive. There are 2 different types of bottom boards – solid and screened. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and it is up the beekeeper to decide which one they like best. This article is all about the screened bottom board. Here, you’ll learn what a screened bottom board is, pros and cons of using one, and how to use a screened bottom board in winter. Disclosure: As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you and helps to keep this website running. What is a Screened Bottom Board? In a beehive, the bottom…
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Insulating Beehives for Winter
Winter can be a worrying time for beekeepers. Between the freezing temperatures and a limited food source for bees, how can beekeepers ensure that their colonies will survive winter? Bees spend the whole year preparing for the cold months. They stockpile honey to eat and generate heat with their bodies. As beekeepers, we can help them stay warm by insulating beehives for winter. When the temperature drops to the 50’s it signals to the bees that it’s time to form a winter cluster. To do this, they gather closely together, with the queen in the center. They are so close to one another that the hairs on their bodies interlace. …
