Bees do not hibernate. Bees cluster around the queen and the bee eggs (brood) that are in the hive. These energetic critters take turns moving in and out of the cluster and vibrate constantly to keep the hive warm.
Of course, the queen is in the middle of all these fine creatures. She's waited upon and fed and groomed, just like normal, but her egg laying may have slowed considerably or stopped.
Bees are very hygenic: they will wait for a warm day in order to go out side and relieve themselves. Talk about crossing your legs!
Bees will go into the honey stores and get some honey and work through the hive this way all winter. The cluster moves accordingly.
The best thing a beekeeper can do to help the bees in winter is to provide a wind-break. Also, you may want to feed your bees either with a 2:1 Sugar-to-Water syrup, or put a candyboard on the inner cover. Your average beekeeper probably also put in a patty or two of pollen as added insurance to boost the bees store of food.
Bees in the winter tend to die from starvation or an excess of moisture, which then freezes them. Properly ventillate so the moisture can escape and not condense inside the hive. It will then drip onto the cluster and kill the bees.
Some beekeepers wrap their hives in roof paper to add some extra warmth to the bees. Not a bad idea, but be careful not to over-do it and cause more condensation. Plus, the girls need a way to get out on nice days.
Until next time, enjoy your Christmas!
tim
Of course, the queen is in the middle of all these fine creatures. She's waited upon and fed and groomed, just like normal, but her egg laying may have slowed considerably or stopped.
Bees are very hygenic: they will wait for a warm day in order to go out side and relieve themselves. Talk about crossing your legs!
Bees will go into the honey stores and get some honey and work through the hive this way all winter. The cluster moves accordingly.
The best thing a beekeeper can do to help the bees in winter is to provide a wind-break. Also, you may want to feed your bees either with a 2:1 Sugar-to-Water syrup, or put a candyboard on the inner cover. Your average beekeeper probably also put in a patty or two of pollen as added insurance to boost the bees store of food.
Bees in the winter tend to die from starvation or an excess of moisture, which then freezes them. Properly ventillate so the moisture can escape and not condense inside the hive. It will then drip onto the cluster and kill the bees.
Some beekeepers wrap their hives in roof paper to add some extra warmth to the bees. Not a bad idea, but be careful not to over-do it and cause more condensation. Plus, the girls need a way to get out on nice days.
Until next time, enjoy your Christmas!
tim
RSS Feed
