Bees are one of the most unique creatures on our planet. They are fundamentally different from all other insects and bring invaluable benefits to both nature and humans.

Features of the life of bees

Among all the traits that distinguish bees, the most important are the following:

• Like ants, they are social creatures. Bees live in colonies (swarms), where a strict hierarchy is observed, i.e. each of them has its own specific role. At the head of all is the uterus, which is responsible for the reproduction of future generations;
• These are one of the most ancient insects that appeared on the planet about 100 million years ago. Thanks to this, they managed to settle everywhere and now live on all continents, not counting Antarctica;
• Bees have a unique feeding system: they obtain flower pollen and nectar using a specially adapted oral apparatus (proboscis);
• In a colony, the main force is females, while males (also called drones) are used only to create offspring.

Wintering of bees

These are one of the few insects that can survive the cold period without hibernating. However, before the start of winter, their activity decreases: adult individuals pay more and more attention to the young and fly out less and less for pollen, and then stop working altogether. The queen also stops laying eggs, i.e. In winter, new larvae do not appear.

With the onset of frost, all representatives of the swarm gather into one large ball to maintain warmth, which is called among beekeepers: a club of bees. This mass sits on the empty honeycombs, and its upper part reaches directly to the honey reserves. In this case, the shape of the club may change depending on the temperature outside the hive. The colder it gets, the more tightly the bees press against each other in order to better retain heat and, most importantly, prevent the larvae and young animals from freezing. Insects feed on the honey deposits that have accumulated during the warm period. It is estimated that during the winter one swarm can eat about 10 kilograms of this nutritious product.

Every beekeeper knows how bees prepare for winter. And the role honey collected over the summer plays in preparation is also known to many. But we must not forget about other important bee matters. And these tireless workers have a lot of them. Speaking about how bees prepare for winter in nature, we should recall the insulation of their habitat, getting rid of drones and carefully protecting winter supplies.

August is a busy time

Despite the fact that according to the calendar it is still summer, the bees are beginning to actively prepare for winter. Without missing a single day, hardworking insects continue to collect nectar, processing it into honey. And even though there are not enough flowering plants, and they are stingy with nectar, honey production does not stop, as the bees are preparing for winter, stocking up for the long period of cold weather, when it will be almost impossible to find food.

Saving helps preserve winter supplies

In August, swarming stops. Therefore, drones become a burden, on which such valuable honey is wasted. Since the bees are preparing for winter and begin to intensively save food, the “parasites” are mercilessly expelled from the hives. Of course, this could have been done earlier, but during the period of intensive honey collection there was no time left for this.

How bees prepare for winter

Like people, bees in the fall diligently prepare their homes for the winter. It is important to keep warm during the cold season and protect winter supplies from uninvited guests. In the fall, bees diligently seal all the cracks in the hive with propolis and reduce the entrances. Now, even at night, the entrances have guards who guard the entrance - it’s no good to squander such valuable winter reserves! Therefore, bees become angry in the fall, intolerant of any encroachment from the outside. Often, military guards sting to death a naughty puppy or poultry that gets too close to the hive. They do not realize that these creatures do not at all lay claim to the honey in the honeycombs.

The best place is in the womb!

Of course, with the onset of autumn, the queen no longer lays eggs so actively, but this process still continues. After all, bees worn out over the summer are unlikely to survive the long winter. And a huge number of them died over the summer. Therefore, the burden of wintering will fall on the wings of young bees that appear in August and September. It is they who will take care of the future offspring, which, with the beginning of spring, will make their first flight from the hive. That is why the bees continue to take care of the queen, the continuator of the family, feeding her abundantly, freeing up enough space for egg-laying, and placing her in the warmest place - in the middle of the nest. And the younger and stronger the queen is, the more honey the bee family has prepared, the better the home is insulated, the longer she is able to lay eggs, sometimes until the very cold weather.

To make it more convenient for the queen and the bees raising the young, caring workers drag the honey that is not sealed in the combs from the outer and lower sections to the upper part of the hive.

Children about bees

In classes with preschoolers and primary schoolchildren, adults often touch on the topic of preparing animals for winter. It is very important to tell children how bees prepare for winter, to convey to them the idea that in nature everything is interconnected, everything plays an important role. And intervention in the life of the human animal world must be justified, careful, and deliberate. For example, before taking up beekeeping, people spent a long time studying the habits of these insects and tried to make sure that the removal of honey did not harm the family. A good beekeeper will not only make a profit from his pets, but will also be able to help them survive the winter, cure them of diseases if necessary, and protect them from enemies.

A fairy tale about a bee for kids

A fairy tale by Abdullah Alisha called “Nechkebil” will be a good help in these classes. After reading the text, you can invite the kids to draw pictures about what they liked most or remembered from what they read. An adult can also ask questions:

1. Why do bees die after they sting someone?
2. Why do bees sting?
3. Why didn't the bees sting the beekeeper?
4. Why was the main character of the fairy tale called Nechkebil, which translated means “thin waist”?

Riddles about bees

So that the children do not get bored during such activities, they should diversify the process of becoming familiar with the life and habits of these interesting creatures. Riddles for children about bees can be a good option. For example, like this:

“And who wants to spend the whole summer day

Are you too lazy to collect nectar?

Who's circling over the flowers?

And buzzing, buzzing, buzzing?

Who doesn't receive guests?

And when it sees it, it stings painfully?

For whom things are more important,

What is the game? This is ... (bee)"

Or this:

“I am neither a bumblebee nor a wasp,

Not a hornet, not a dragonfly.

I'm flying over the flowers

And I collect nectar.

I live in a hive with my family,

Can you hear me buzzing there?

Honey is healthy, sweet, sweet,

I do it. The one who is greedy

Until someone else's, it will be in time

I was stung - right in the eye!

Both children and adults must understand that man is only a part of nature. And therefore, his responsibilities include not only consuming everything that she gives us, but also protecting her, taking care of all the inhabitants inhabiting our planet, our common home.

They create them in the most favorable places, for example, in tree hollows. The preparation for cold weather for these insects is always the same - by winter they try to raise as many young offspring as possible, seal the cracks with propolis and be sure to drive out the drones (male individuals) that are no longer needed from the nest. Thanks to this, they prepare a strong family for the season, providing themselves with sufficient heat and food. This is typical for both wild and apiary bees.

The outer part of the bee ball is dense because it consists of almost motionless bees pressed tightly against each other. And the inner one is more loose, since bees can move freely there 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 get cold and allow hungry brothers to get to the honey.

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 snow perfectly retains heat. But severe dampness in the hive and drafts can be destructive for bees, 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 install their hives away from drafts and at the same time ensure good ventilation inside them. And if the hives are moved indoors for wintering, be sure to control the temperature and suitable air humidity there.

Every novice beekeeper is interested in the question of wintering bees. The winter period directly affects the well-being of the family with the onset of the new season. The bees will remain in the hives for three to four cold months. It is important to prepare in advance for a long period of rest by carefully thinking through all the nuances.

In autumn, hardworking insects move from the active period of life to a state of rest. In the last days of the season, bees fly around only to empty their intestines. The body structure has the peculiarity of increasing, accommodating an average of 40 mg of feces. Special substances stop decomposition processes. The body's metabolism slows down, which allows you to survive the winter safely.

The food is also designed for a slight intestinal load. Which helps to successfully overcome the harsh winter. Excessive energy expenditure wears out the body. They may not live to see the new season.

With the first coolness of autumn, beekeepers take care of grouping workers on honeycombs with food. When the temperature drops to eight degrees, they move to the winter club. Strong families maintain the required temperature both in the center of the club and on its surfaces. A weak family concentrates heat on the shell. Bees work with redoubled force, expending energy and food, overloading their intestines.

In any wintering option, the bees are kept at rest, without being subjected to unnecessary influence. Particular sensitivity appears at the end of wintering. Provoked flight in cold weather guarantees bee diarrhea in the hive.

Coming out of the winter hut begins with the air warming up to twelve degrees Celsius. Evolution in different climatic zones has developed resistance to the characteristics of natural phenomena. Therefore, local breeds winter safely in their native lands.

Where do bees spend the winter?

Bee colonies are kept in:

1. in winter huts;
2. in rooms with insulation, for example, a greenhouse, barn, bathhouse, basement;
3. on the street.

In each case, it is important to take into account all the resting time conditions. For wintering, food is prepared in advance, strong families and young queens are selected.

Preparing bees for winter

In autumn, preparations for winter begin with the end of the season and a drop in temperature. The insects stocked up on their main food - honey and beebread.

Bribes are gradually being reduced. Then egg laying stops completely. The final sowing is carried out in the very center of the warm part of the hive from the south. After the brood emerges, the empty cells are filled with food. Bees independently eliminate cracks with propolis, reducing the size of the entrances. Overwinter:

• uterus;
• young animals;
• some adults.

The drones are expelled at the end of the honey harvest. Until the next season, they do not participate in the life of the family. Insects consume food rationally, so it is not advisable to feed drones.

The guarding of the entrance to the hive ceases, moving to the center. Wintering takes place without flights, so it must be done on the last warm day. This is the last time the insects defecate for the season. As the temperature drops, the activity of bees fades away. A club is formed, adjacent to each other.

When preparing for wintering, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the breeds. For example, Karnika is adapted to frosty conditions and variable winds. They winter in small families. For the Carpathians, family unification is practiced.

What do bees do in the hive in winter?

In overcoming the cold, bees independently prepare for wintering. No need to worry about greenhouse conditions. Nature has developed its own methods during evolution.

All individuals unite in a single club to maintain warmth. There is a constant movement from the top of the club to the inside, pushing out those who have warmed up and stocked up on food. The lower the temperature, the higher the activity. The club moves to the top, to the back walls in search of food. The heat in the core rises to thirty degrees. At the edges up to fifteen degrees.

Why do bees die in winter?

Mortality is influenced by various factors, including poor wintering. The right content will help minimize or completely eliminate:

• weak families;
• death of the uterus;
• hunger;
• high humidity;
• low temperature;
• diarrhea;
• illness;
• rodents.

Excessive moisture is determined by the presence of mold. The main factor is insufficient ventilation of the omshanik. Improper treatment against diseases also increases humidity levels.

The formation of excess moisture leads to souring of honey. The consequences are the death of insects due to hunger. There may be a shortage of food due to crystallization of honey and cold.

A common consequence of death may be bee diarrhea. When brood appears in the last months of autumn, proper flight does not occur. A large amount of feces accumulates. A full intestine of young individuals leads to pestilence of the entire family.

Honeydew honey can also cause diarrhea. Honey varieties with the highest content of active ingredients are not suitable for eating during the wintering period. These include all varieties of dark colors. It crystallizes and sours faster.

The absence of a uterus is another pestilence factor. When the bees search for the queen, the state of the club is disrupted. The insects can no longer gather again, and a steady death occurs.

Smooth death is caused by increased temperature in the house, eight degrees or excessive noise and bright light.

The slide-shaped podmor says that the bees were not warm enough, and the cause of death was starvation. While moving for food, several small tubers may form.

The cause of bee death is infectious and invasive diseases. Some of them:

• viral paralysis;
• salmonellosis;
• calcareous, sacbrood;
• rotting larvae.

When eliminating diseases, special treatment is carried out. It is necessary to combat pathogens correctly so that this does not become another reason for the death of bees.

Nutrition of bee colonies in winter

In winter, a family’s food consumption is 18–25 kg of honey. The food is pre-sealed for safe storage. The bee club gradually moves upward, eating supplies. At the same time, free sealed honeycombs are occupied. It is advisable to select frames in dark shades.

Feed consumption depends on the quality of the hive. Warmth, low humidity and high-quality ventilation guarantee minimal consumption. A strong family is able to independently make the necessary amount of supplies for the winter. Harvested honey is stored in a thick form. Insects disperse it with specific glands. The necessary moisture is taken from the steam released during breathing. Excess moisture spoils the honey, causing death.

During winter, bees do not defecate when consuming high-quality fodder honey. Crystallized or sour food causes diarrhea and nosematosis, which is detrimental to the entire family.

Weak bee colonies require more food to maintain warmth. Wintering is better tolerated if there is a young queen in the hive.

Bee food:

• honey is full;
• syrup;
• powdered sugar;
• protein feeds.

Syrup is the most economical food. No additives, but also no protein.

Wintering without insulation

Sometimes beekeepers prefer to overwinter bees in a cool room. For wintering bees in omshanik, buildings made of above-ground, combined or underground wood are suitable. Insulation can be made of boards, clay or straw. Good ventilation is needed to bring in fresh air. A solid floor and strong walls retain heat.

In the absence of a special structure, for wintering bees it is suitable to keep them in:

• barn;
• greenhouse;
• basement;
• cellar;
• dressing room;
• shelter in a hut.

Wintering bees in a polycarbonate greenhouse in an area with mild frosts but heavy rainfall. The disadvantage of the structure is considered to be spring temperature changes. To avoid overheating, in the fall the greenhouse is covered with roofing felt.

The inside of the greenhouse is insulated with polystyrene foam using polyurethane foam. Compliance with the requirements ensures that the family remains strong and reduces feed consumption.

How to properly insulate hives

To insulate hives, selecting the necessary material is important. You can always have at hand:

• straw;
• sackcloth;
• Styrofoam;
• polyethylene;
• worn out warm clothes;
• polyurethane foam insulation;
• other material.

Nests are grouped in one place, reducing the number of walls that are blown through. For insulation inside, frames are used. A denser insulation is placed on top.

External insulation is carried out by sheathing using nails. It is enough to glue the foam to the walls of the house. Felt mats, straw or fallen leaves are placed underneath.

It is important to remember to have adequate ventilation. At elevated temperatures, insects are overly active. The entrance is left open. In severe frost it closes, leaving only a few small holes. You can make two tap holes, but you cannot open them completely at the same time. Adjustment of valves is provided.

How bees overwinter in a hive in an apiary

During the wintering process of bees of autumn generations, the body accumulates nutrients in the form of proteins, fats, and glycogens. The content of free fluid decreases, the type of metabolism of the body changes.

In autumn, with the onset of cold weather, bees form a winter club. At first it is quite loose and can disintegrate under the influence of positive daytime temperatures. Resilience comes with cold weather. The density of the club increases and lasts throughout the cold period.

Wintering bees in a hive involves forming a winter club in order to save food and maintain the required temperature.

Features of bees wintering outside

Preparing a hive for the winter outdoors differs for different climate zones. In the southern regions, free wintering does not require excessive insulation. Which is completely the opposite for the north of the country.

Options for wintering bees outside under the snow are more often used by experienced beekeepers. It is important to eliminate the gaps, insulate them in the fall, and cover the hives with snow. Wintering bees outside in central and northern Russia is impossible without insulation.

First, beekeepers check the protection of the houses from strong winds. Shields can be trees, buildings or fences. In the absence of protection, the walls are insulated with roofing felt and slate. The walls and bottom are insulated. The entrances are covered with shields.

During wintering, healthy, strong individuals hatch in hives under the snow. The early flight begins. It is important to take into account that the snow masses do not lie close to the houses and do not fall into the entrances. During the cold season, bees outside in winter eat several kilograms of food more than in the omshanik.

Checking bees

If proper preparation for wintering is observed, it is not necessary to disturb the hive. Many beekeepers still make the rounds with the basic rules of inspection:

• The clubs are located taking into account free passage between the hive.
• The covers are carefully removed, preferably in calm weather.
• Cabins are not checked in clear weather. A cloudy, overcast day is preferable.
• A monotonous buzzing sound in the hive signals the good condition of the colony.

By adhering to the simple rules of beekeepers to create favorable wintering conditions for bees, insects will endure any weather conditions. And already in early spring, the overwintered family will begin to bring a lot of valuable sweet product.

How do bees prepare for winter? Honeybees do not hibernate for the winter, as many other insects do, but live a normal life. As soon as the autumn cold snaps, the queen reduces and then stops laying eggs. Bees are spending more and more time in the nest. Here, around the brood, they continue to maintain the high temperature necessary for the life of the remaining larvae and pupae. A lot of bees accumulate here. They no longer perform any work; they sit almost motionless. The shape of this mass of bees resembles a ball or a large ball. That's what beekeepers call it - a club of bees. The club is usually located downstairs, not far from the entrance, on empty honeycombs. Only the upper part of it is on the honey. But if a warm sunny day falls, the club breaks up and the bees fly out of the hive. The autumn flight is short and friendly. The bees seem to be in a hurry to take advantage of this warmth. As soon as the sun sets behind the cloud, they return home again. The bees need this very short, at least a few minutes, flight from the hive in order to cleanse their intestines. And if in the fall the bees empty their intestines of feces, it will be much easier for them to endure the winter. The later the bees fly around, the better. In autumn, the hives should be positioned with their entrances facing south so that the sun will quickly excite the bees. In the south, bees fly around even in winter, but in Siberia they do not leave the hives for 6-7 months

Bees are preparing for winter

The main honey harvest is left behind - the crown of the entire beekeeping season. It develops differently. As they say, there is no change from year to year, but with skill and diligence, the beekeeper usually does not lose money. August for bees is already autumn, when they, without missing a single day, prepare for a long winter. The number of flowering plants is decreasing. And they are stingy with nectar. True, where sunflower is cultivated, honey harvest continues until autumn. But still, the behavior of bees is changing here too. They begin to save food, saving every drop of it.
The first thing they do in preparation for winter is to expel drones from their nest. After all, the swarming was over, and during the heavy honey flow there was no time for them.
Bees carry open honey from the lower and outer combs and accumulate it at the top of the hive.
The entrances are now heavily guarded. Even at night the bees do not remove their guard. To help the bees protect their homes, the entrances are kept small, no more than 5 cm, and the top ones are closed completely. The bees themselves narrow the entrance, if it is large, and seal the cracks in the hive with propolis.
During honey collection, bees worked all day long: during the day they collected nectar, at night they prepared honey from it. This difficult work sapped their strength. Many died, and the survivors were so worn out that they were no longer able to survive the winter. The entire burden of wintering and the future of the family falls on the bees that appear in August and September. The most vitally active young and strong, they retain the ability to nurse a new generation, build honeycombs, and collect honey and pollen until the next season.
And although the queen, obeying the laws of nature, no longer produces such a large number of eggs as in spring and summer, the bees still take care of her: they feed her abundantly, provide a place for laying, freeing the middle of the nest - the warmest place - from honey. The younger the queen, the longer, until the coldest weather, she lays eggs.