Honey Bee activity during winter storms

Thermal image of honey bee cluster locations

Ever wonder what our bees are doing during winter storms and extreme cold events? While we are stressing over groceries, driveway salt, and generators, our bees made their winter contingency plan months ago, long before the first frost. Honey bees are spending this time in their winter cluster. Imagine a tightly packed ball of bees, dissected by sheets of honeycomb, which serves as both a food source and a structure for warmth. The outer layer of this cluster is more compact, with bees huddled closely together to conserve heat, minimizing their movement to maintain a stable temperature around 50°F. This outer layer acts as insulation, protecting the inner bees from the harsh winter chill. As you move inward through the cluster, the bees begin to loosen their formation, allowing for slightly more movement and increasing the temperature significantly. In the very center of this cluster, where the queen resides and where the most vital activities take place, the temperature can soar to an impressive 95°F. This warmth is essential for brood rearing, as it creates an optimal environment for the queen to lay eggs and for the developing larvae to thrive. As the bees cluster together, they engage in a remarkable display of teamwork and communication. They take turns moving from the center to the outer edges of the cluster, allowing each bee to warm up while ensuring that the entire colony remains insulated and protected from the elements. This communal effort not only highlights the bees' social nature but also emphasizes their instinctual drive to survive and thrive, even in the face of adversity. In essence, while we may be preoccupied with our own winter preparations, our bees are executing a well-orchestrated plan that has been in the making for months. Their ability to adapt and work together is a testament to their resilience, and it serves as a reminder of the intricate balance of nature that allows these remarkable creatures to endure even the harshest winters.