Words from the Hive: New Year’s Resolutions in the Bee Colony

by Christine Hrenya, Ph.D. Engineering
                  What the honeybees are up to…
The cold weather in January keep the bees holed up in the hive, clustering around the queen to keep her warm. So what do the bees do to keep their minds busy, you ask? Compiling their list of New Year’s resolutions…
1. Queen bee – Get mentally ready to start laying 2000 eggs per day again. The four-month winter break has been welcome, but more workers are needed as the winter worker bees die off. Be sure to thank the winter bees for all of their hard work. GRATITUDE.
2. The queen’s attendants – The next generation is at stake. Feed the queen, clean the queen, and keep her focused on the egg-laying task ahead. The survival of the colony depends on it. LEGACY.
3. Housekeeping bees – Continue to expel dead winter bees from the hive. Take out any other trash. Keeping the hive disease-free is paramount for a strong start to the spring season. PREVENTATIVE CARE.
4. HVAC bees – The winter job is half over. A few more months of shaking to keep the hive warm is needed, and then the next generation of baby bees will be ready to take over. RESILIENCE.
What the beekeepers are up to…
Making sure hive entrances are not blocked with snow and/or dead bees. Checking on honey stores on warmer days. Feeding sugar patties if honey stores (carbohydrates) are low. Feeding pollen patties (protein) to spur egg-laying.
What the non-beekeepers can do…
Learn from the bees: be grateful for what you have; be resilient in the face challenges; take care of yourself; consider your life’s legacy. Give back to the bees: plan for a pollinator garden and plan to avoid lawn or garden treatments that contain neonicotinoids.