What do Bees do in the winter
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In the winter, bees go into a kind of hibernation mode but don’t actually sleep. They form a cluster inside the hive to stay warm and protect the queen. Here's what happens:
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Cluster Formation: Bees gather together in a tight cluster, with the queen at the center. They vibrate their bodies to generate heat and maintain a temperature of about 90°F (32°C) inside the cluster.
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Energy Conservation: Bees feed on stored honey to survive. They will gradually eat through their honey stores, moving around the hive in the cluster to reach it.
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Reduced Activity: The bees' activity slows down significantly. They don’t leave the hive unless it's a warm day, and they won't forage for nectar.
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Occasional Breaks: If it gets warm enough (above 50°F/10°C), bees may break the cluster briefly to stretch their wings and relieve themselves (by defecating outside the hive).
As winter ends, bees begin to slowly emerge from the cluster and resume their activities, including cleaning the hive and preparing for spring.