Surviving the Winter: What Do Honeybees Do When It Gets Cold?

During the cold winter months, we often get asked: "Do bees go into hibernation?" The answer is no – honeybees don’t hibernate, but they’ve developed a clever strategy to survive.

How Bees Tackle the Cold

When the temperature drops, honeybees stay inside their hive and form a cluster. They huddle close together to stay warm, with the queen safely in the middle. The worker bees generate heat by moving and using their muscles, similar to how we shiver to stay warm.

This heat production requires a lot of energy, and for that, the bees rely on the honey and pollen they gathered during the summer months. Every drop of nectar they’ve stored is now essential to helping the colony get through the winter.

Why You Shouldn’t Open the Hive

An important part of the bees’ winter behavior is sealing their hive with propolis – a type of bee glue – to maintain a stable microclimate. This natural insulation protects them from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.

It’s therefore crucial to leave the hive undisturbed during the winter. Opening it can disrupt this delicate balance and severely weaken the colony. Even a small disturbance can have significant consequences for the bees.

What You Can Do for the Bees

Want to help the bees during winter? While they mostly need rest now, you can prepare for the spring:

• Plant early bloomers like crocuses and snowdrops so that bees can find food right after the winter.
• Avoid using pesticides in your garden, as they are harmful to bees.

Honeybees are incredibly resilient and well-prepared for the challenges of winter. Let’s give them the rest they need and get ready for a new season when they can get back to work for a thriving nature.