The Winter Lifecycle of Honey Bees
Unlike wasps, whose colonies die off in autumn, honey bee colonies survive the winter as a collective. Their survival depends on a unique set of behaviours and biological adaptations:
Forming a Winter Cluster
As temperatures fall, bees form a tight ball (or cluster) around the queen and brood.
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They vibrate their wing muscles to generate heat, keeping the core temperature of the cluster around 32–35°C.
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The cluster expands and contracts based on outside temperatures, maintaining warmth with remarkable precision.
Relying on Stored Honey
Rotating Positions
To fuel this heating system, bees consume honey they’ve stored throughout spring and summer. A healthy colony can eat 20–30 pounds (9–14kg) of honey over winter.
Bees take turns moving from the cold outer edges of the cluster to the warm centre, ensuring the entire colony survives, an extraordinary display of teamwork and resilience.
Bees Inside Walls: Still Active, Still Present
Even when you don’t see bees flying, colonies nesting inside walls or roof cavities continue this activity undisturbed — and can survive the entire winter if their food stores are sufficient.
Why this matters:
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You may hear faint buzzing or scratching, especially on milder days when bees become more active inside the structure.
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Colonies remain fully intact, and come spring, they will resume full external activity — often stronger than before.
The Importance of Early Detection and Planning
Why act now:
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Avoid spring swarms and population surges by preparing for safe removal in early spring.
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Reduce structural damage, as comb and honey stores can affect internal materials and attract pests.
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Book early — ethical removals require time, planning, and often structural access, which is easier to arrange in advance.
What to Do if You Suspect a Bee Colony
If you’ve heard or seen signs of a bee colony on your property:
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Do not attempt removal yourself, especially in winter.
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Avoid using sprays or sealing entry points — this can trap and kill the colony, leading to further complications.
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Contact a specialist in ethical, pesticide-free bee removal to assess the situation and advise on next steps.
Final Word
Honey bee colonies are resilient, industrious, and vital to our environment — even when we can’t see them. By understanding their winter behaviour, we can plan respectful and humane removals that protect both bees and buildings.
🐝 Have questions or think you might have a colony?
We’re here to help — ethically, expertly, and with the bees' best interests at heart.
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