Honeybees in Winter: How They Survive the Cold Months

Winter is a challenging time for honeybees. As the temperature drops and flowers disappear, you might wonder: Where do bees go in the winter? What happens to bee hives in the winter? Do bees hibernate in Canada? These are all common questions, and the answers reveal the incredible survival strategies of honeybee colonies.

Do Bees Hibernate in Canada?

Unlike some insects that hibernate, honeybees do not enter a deep sleep during winter. Instead, they remain active inside their hive, forming a winter cluster to keep warm. When temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), worker bees gather around their queen, vibrating their wing muscles to generate heat. This process can maintain the hive’s internal temperature at a survivable level, even in freezing conditions.

What Do Bees Eat in the Winter?

Since there are no blooming flowers in winter, honeybees must rely on stored honey and pollen to survive. Throughout the warmer months, they work tirelessly to produce and stockpile enough honey to sustain the colony.

Beekeepers often monitor their hives in late fall to ensure there is enough honey left for the bees. If supplies are low, beekeepers may provide sugar syrup or fondant as supplemental food.

What Happens to Bee Hives in the Winter?

Bee hives do not die off in winter, but they do undergo major changes:

• Population decrease: Drones (male bees) are expelled from the hive in fall, since they don’t contribute to winter survival.
• Cluster formation: Worker bees and the queen huddle together for warmth.
• Minimal activity: Bees conserve energy and only move within the hive when necessary.

If a hive is strong and has enough food, it can successfully survive the winter. However, weak colonies, starvation, or diseases can lead to hive losses.

Do Bees Die in the Winter?

Some bees naturally die during winter, but a healthy colony should survive if properly prepared. However, extreme cold, mites, disease, or insufficient food can lead to high mortality rates. Beekeepers help by insulating hives, ensuring food supplies, and managing pests before winter arrives.

When Do Bees Go Away?

Bees do not truly "go away" in winter; they simply retreat to their hive. In Canada and other cold climates, you may stop seeing bees around late fall, usually when temperatures dip below 10°C (50°F). They will remain inside the hive until warmer weather returns, typically in early spring.

How Do Bees Survive the Winter?

Honeybees rely on teamwork and efficiency to survive harsh winters:

• They generate heat by shivering their wing muscles.
• They eat stored honey to maintain their energy levels.
• They reduce hive activity to conserve energy.

This survival strategy has allowed honeybees to thrive even in cold climates like Canada’s Boreal Forests.