For many beekeepers, winter prep involves little more than adding food and hoping their colonies make it to spring. But long-time beekeeping enthusiasts know that getting bees through the winter requires a little more attention. It’s essential to think not only about what bees need for the cold months ahead, but also how their natural habits shape their survival strategies.
Beekeepers need to recognize that bees aren’t just passive livestock. They are highly adaptable creatures. But to successfully get bees through the winter, it’s important to do more than provide extra food and reduce hive entrances. We must think about colony needs year-round, rather than as isolated seasons.
Understanding Bees and Their Habits
First, we need to remember that a honeybee colony is a continuous cycle that’s always preparing for the future. This cycle involves adapting to good and bad years by storing food, conserving energy, and managing their population. The success of a colony often depends on how closely our care aligns with their natural instincts.
In nature, bee colonies are feral and able to adapt, but they don’t survive by chance. Strong colonies, especially those that have overwintered successfully in the wild, often have traits suited to their local climate. The natural selection process ensures that colonies are as resilient as possible, with weakened colonies more likely to fail.
The Beekeeper’s Role: Supporting Bee Survival
Beekeepers often treat bees based on a human view of what they need, not necessarily on what’s best for the bees. This can result in keeping colonies that might not thrive naturally. For instance, some imported queens are highly productive but struggle in colder climates. Colonies of such bees often need significant mollycoddling to survive the winter, with beekeepers forced to intervene constantly.
Observing wild colonies provides insight. Feral colonies prepare early, establishing a strong food supply and keeping brood areas close to the entrance. They choose hives high off the ground, often in well-insulated, dry, and ventilated spaces. Beekeepers should try to replicate these conditions, especially by feeding and ensuring hives are protected from excessive moisture.
Practical Tips for Winter Prep
- Feed Early and Consistently: Don’t leave feeding until the last minute. Regular, small feedings are better than large dumps of syrup that can disrupt the bees’ internal stores.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Bees naturally ventilate their hives, preventing damp conditions that can encourage mold and disease. Ventilation needs to be balanced, especially if you’re using open mesh floors or other modified hive types.
- Avoid Over-Insulation: Bees cluster together for warmth. Adding too much insulation or sealing them too tightly can hinder airflow, leading to moisture build-up.
- Consider Local Queen Stock: Colonies that do well in your area are likely well-suited to its climate. Experimenting with different queens can be exciting, but for winter survival, using locally sourced or naturally adapted bees is often best.
- Observe and Record: Watch for signs of brood behavior and food consumption as temperatures drop. Regular observations will provide insights into colony needs and help detect issues before they become serious.
Embracing Colony Resilience
Supporting a colony through winter doesn’t mean excessive interference. It’s about understanding what bees need to survive independently and working alongside those instincts. This winter, try thinking beyond the hive checklist. Support your bees with insights gained from watching wild colonies, and trust that nature has given them most of the tools they need to thrive.