- Hygienic Behavior: Bees may leave the hive in winter to engage in cleaning activities. They remove dead bees and other debris from the hive, ensuring a clean internal environment.
- New Queen Laying Eggs: In winter, some bee colonies may resume egg-laying to ensure an ample new generation of bees for the upcoming spring. This may involve the new queen laying eggs or other bees within the colony laying eggs.
- Flight for Elimination: Bees in winter may also take short flights, primarily for elimination purposes. Bees generally avoid defecating inside the hive, so, under certain weather conditions in winter, they may come out to fulfill this physiological need.
- Water Collection: In winter, bees may need to replenish their water supply. While humidity is typically higher during winter, some bees may seek water sources outside the hive.
Please note that these activities are generally limited and influenced by specific conditions. Beekeepers should be aware of these behaviors to better understand the needs of the bee colony during the winter season.
The death of a large number of bees in winter can be attributed to various factors, some acting individually and others resulting from the interplay of multiple factors. Here are potential reasons for significant winter bee mortality:
- Starvation: Bees may die in winter due to insufficient food supply. Inadequate honey reserves can prevent bees from maintaining normal physiological functions and body temperature.
- Cold: Extremely low temperatures can make it challenging for bees to retain sufficient body heat. If the internal temperature of the hive drops too low, bees may freeze to death in large numbers.
- Humidity Issues: Excessive humidity can lead to the formation of condensation, making the hive damp and cold. A damp environment may increase the risk of diseases, such as mold and fungal infections.
- Diseases and Pests: Winter can make bees more susceptible to infections from parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Diseases and pests can result in significant bee mortality, especially if the hive lacks enough bees to combat the pathogens.
- Weakening of Bee Colonies: Prior to winter, bee colonies may have experienced various stressors, such as diseases, starvation, or poor queen quality. These issues can lead to an overall decline in the health of the bee colony, making them more susceptible to mass mortality in winter.
- Human Factors: Improper management practices, such as insufficient winter protection, inadequate food reserves, or improper hive layout, can also contribute to bee mortality in winter.
To minimize the risk of significant bee deaths in winter, beekeepers need to implement good management practices. This includes providing sufficient food, employing proper hive design, and maintaining suitable hive temperature and humidity. Additionally, closely monitoring the health of bee colonies and taking necessary measures to prevent and treat diseases are crucial.