Wintering in the life of bees is one of the most important periods, because the productivity of insects in the next season depends on its outcome. In apiaries, people help bees to endure the cold, but in the wild they have to prepare themselves for the long winter, which, incidentally, they do very successfully.
Instructions
Step 1
Wild bees hibernate in their own hives, because in nature they create them in the most favorable places, for example, in the hollows of trees. Preparation for cold weather in these insects is always the same - for winter they try to grow as many young offspring as possible, seal the cracks with propolis and be sure to drive unnecessary drones (males) out of the nest. Thanks to this, they prepare a strong family for the new season, provide themselves with sufficient heat and food. This is typical for both wild and bee bees.
Step 2
To survive the winter, these insects accumulate in the warmest place of the nest - on the lower cells of the combs, free from honey. They form a large ball, which consists of a dense crust and a looser middle. The closeness to each other and the constant movement of bees inside this ball helps them to maintain the required warm temperature even in the most severe cold.
Step 3
The outer part of the bee ball is dense, because it consists of almost immobile bees, tightly pressed against each other. And the inner one is looser, since the bees there can move freely in order to feed on honey and generate heat. The temperature inside the bee ball does not drop below 15 ° C, and at the end of wintering it can reach 30 ° C. Insects constantly change places in the ball, so as not to chill and let their hungry fellows go to the honey.
Step 4
Bees are not afraid of strong and dry frosts, the main thing is that there is enough food. And a hive wrapped in snow is especially pleasant for them, because the snow perfectly retains heat. But strong dampness in the hive and drafts for bees can be destructive, as well as too dry air. All this can spoil the honey, and the bees will have nothing to eat. This is why experienced beekeepers set up their hives away from drafts and at the same time ensure good ventilation inside them. And if the hives are transferred to the room for wintering, they must control the temperature regime and the appropriate air humidity there.
