How Do Bees Survive Winter?

Image via Flickr by DanielaC173

Bees can be found buzzing around during warmer seasons, but you’d be hard-pressed to find them in winter. These insects aren’t suited for the cold, but just where do they go in the winter?

Beekeepers are often faced with the challenge of taking care of their bees when the temperature drops, and even experts can sometimes fall short of acceptable standards.

In this article, we’ll explore the question of how bees survive during winter.

How Do Bees Survive Winter?

Bees don’t have fur or bodies that can heat up during winter, nor do they have the best tools to warm themselves. Instead, bees employ other coping mechanisms to get through the winter. These insects cluster inside their hives to generate heat, not unlike humans in movies, who huddle together when trapped in a cold region. 

Bees have a caste system, with the major players being the female workers and the queen—the male drone exists primarily for reproduction. The workers generate heat by vibrating, usually forming the cluster’s outer core. The queen stays in the middle as her survival is crucial. 

Do Bees Die During Winter?

Bees may die in the winter if their temperatures reach 41 degrees or lower. Many bees are unable to survive in these harsh conditions. According to findings, bees die more after the winter season than from natural disasters. As tragic as this sounds, there is an advantage to it. If no bee dies during winter, the population could increase to uncontrollable levels. 

Do Bees Hibernate?

Bees don’t hibernate the same way mammals do. While the latter go underground and become inactive to conserve energy, worker bees become more active to generate heat. This is because mammals are quite different from bees. The fur in hibernating mammals can keep them warm, but bees are not built that way. 

What Do Bees Eat During Winter?

With very limited food outside during the winter, bees make do with what they have- HONEY. During warmer seasons, bees store a lot of honey after pollinating flowers. This is what they feed on to stay alive during winter. Because drones aren’t useful during this period, they are often evicted from the hive; that’s why it is not uncommon to see a drone outside the hive close to winter. 

Michigan Winters Can Be Hard on Bees

It’s sometimes impossible to avoid bee death during winter, but you can lessen the chances with these tips:

• Keep bees that are already familiar with your environment.
• Don’t drain the hives of honey when winter approaches.
• Do not wrap your hives, as that may cause more harm than good.

Bees may find it hard to cope when the winter season comes, meaning you’re less likely to notice them. Fortunately, the bees strive to ensure their survival by generating warmth. By spring, you should notice more bees buzzing around your Michigan property. Michigan has its fair share of bees, including bumble bees and carpenter bees.

Bee Problem in Michigan?

Bee populations take a hit during winter, making it even more important to protect them come spring and summer in Michigan. If you have a bee problem, it may be worth it to reach out to a professional before trying to remove the hive yourself. Not only can this be dangerous, but you also risk harming the bee population.

Solidified Pest Control has the knowledge and resources available for all your bee removal Oakland County needs. We also have a team of helpful technicians who can help with your pest and wildlife removal needs. Whether you need Commerce pest control or Livonia pest control services, we’ll work to make sure you’re pest free. Contact Solidified Pest Control today at (866) 614-6762 or fill out our contact us form.