What do bees do in winter?
Unlike migratory birds and Aunt Joanne who fly off to the tropics, our bees bravely face the Quebec winter! What do they do when the snow covers the fields and the thermometer dips to -20°C? Discover how these courageous foragers brave the cold!
The hibernation of bees
Don’t be mistaken: bees do not sleep during the winter. In fact, they remain active inside the hive, forming a tight cluster around the queen to protect her. Their strategy is to generate heat through the vibration of their wings, maintaining an internal temperature high enough for their survival. The goal is to create as much heat as possible while consuming as little energy as possible—truly a little thermal management miracle!
Wintering of colonies in northern climates
In the Upper Laurentians, where winters are particularly harsh, wintering the hives requires a specific methodology. Over the years, our beekeepers have developed precise know-how to maximize the chances of survival for the colonies outdoors, even in extreme conditions.
Strategic location
Hive Preparation
Once the location is chosen, it’s time to prepare the hives. To maximize thermal efficiency, the hives are usually grouped together in sets of four. Since humidity is the number one enemy of bees, it is crucial to prevent the hives from coming into direct contact with the ground. Therefore, they are elevated on wooden pallets.
Next, an entrance reducer is installed at the bottom of each hive to limit the intake of cold air and prevent icy drafts. A small gap is left between the lid and the hive to allow warm air and moisture to escape. This ensures adequate airflow to reduce condensation, which could harm the bees.
Winter Packaging
The hives are then covered with insulating materials, leaving small ventilation holes. This creates a thermal barrier while allowing air to circulate.
Is snow harmful?
Snow, a natural insulator, actually becomes an ally for the colonies. It provides an additional barrier against the cold, allowing oxygen to pass through while protecting from freezing temperatures. Snow thus helps the bees preserve their warmth!
Wintering bees requires careful preparation: insulation, ventilation, location choice… Every detail matters to help our little workers face the cold. But don’t worry, they are well-equipped to withstand the winter and will return in full form with the first rays of spring sunshine!
