What do bees do when it gets cold?

We thought we’d ask our resident Beekeeper to answer this often asked question: What do bees do when it gets cold?

As autumn settles in, honeybees get busy prepping for winter, shifting from summer hustle to survival mode. These little architects know what they’re doing, orchestrating an impressive winter game plan to keep their queen cozy and their colony strong.

The Queen’s Royal Rest:

First, the queen scales back her egg-laying marathon. All summer, she churned out thousands of eggs to keep the hive running full throttle. But with winter looming, it’s time to conserve energy. The fall-born bees are built to last, with extra fat stores that make them the perfect “winter squad” to keep the hive alive.

Clustering for Warmth:

Once temperatures drop, bees start clustering—a cozy, bee-style huddle that’s as snug as a woolen blanket. They surround the queen, vibrating to generate warmth and rotating positions so no bee gets left out in the cold. This mini furnace maintains a toasty core temperature, even when it’s freezing outside!

Staying Fueled:

And let’s talk about their winter stash—honey. After months of hard work, they feast on their own golden goodness, which packs the nutrients and antioxidants needed for a healthy winter. Ayla ensures that each hive has plenty of their own honey, plus a little insulation, a wind break and makes sure the mites are few and far between to keep them healthy and cozy all winter long.

The bees are ready for the colder weather, and as they hunker down, it’s a good time to toast to their efforts! Swing by The Hive Taproom for a refreshing glass of session mead, made with honey from our own hives. Cheers to our hardworking friends, who remind us all to slow down and savor what we’ve worked for.