How to manage bees during the winter?

As the temperature drops, people put on thick cotton clothes and warm scarves to keep out the cold. In nature, not only humans need to keep warm, but animals are no exception, and bees are one of them. Bees primarily overwinter safely by forming clumping groups, but their ability to self-regulate temperature is limited. So, how to manage bees during the winter?

1. Determine winter beekeeping strategies based on regional climate

1. Northern region: Due to the cold weather and extremely low temperatures, the bee colonies must be kept warm and, if necessary, placed in cellars for the winter.

2. Southern regions: If the temperature is suitable in winter and there are nectar sources such as loquat and Schefflera , the bee colonies should be bred well in autumn and early winter to maintain the health and collecting ability of the bee colonies so that honey can be collected when the nectar sources bloom.

2. Adjust winter beekeeping strategies according to the actual situation of the bee colony

1. Healthy and strong bee colonies: Just make a plan for winter honey collection or overwintering.

2. The bee colony is in serious decline: the colony should be reduced in time, the weak colonies should be merged, and the queen bee should be retained on a selective basis to leave a good population for breeding in the spring of next year.

3. Bee colony diseases: Treat them in time before winter comes. Bee colonies with serious diseases can be eliminated to reduce beekeeping costs.

3. Plan winter beekeeping work according to local nectar sources

Nectar sources in different places are periodic, and concentrated nectar sources usually only appear in one or two seasons. Therefore, beekeeping work in winter should be decided based on the local nectar source conditions.

For example, Guangdong Province mainly collects Schefflera honey in winter; the Chinese bees in the Yangtze River Basin can choose to collect wild osmanthus honey in winter, or collect rapeseed honey in the spring after overwintering; the northern region mainly overwintered in winter, and collect basswood honey, locust flower honey, jujube flower honey, etc. after breeding in spring.

In general, as long as you plan well, the workload of beekeeping in winter is not too heavy. It is basically a season of rest and there is no need to put too much pressure. When managing bee colonies in winter, pay attention to the following aspects:

Keep the bee colony warm: prevent cold air from entering the hive and avoid large temperature differences within the colony.

Avoid unnecessary heating: When the temperature is extremely low, do not increase the temperature of the bee colony for no reason to avoid disturbing the bees' hibernation.

Ensure sufficient food: Make sure there is enough food inside the bee colony to prevent the bees from starving to death.

Reduce opening of boxes: Do not open boxes unless necessary to reduce disturbance to the bee colony.

The above are some key points for managing bees in winter. In addition, you need to pay attention to some details. Finally, I wish all my beekeeping friends a comfortable winter and a good harvest next year.