As temperatures drop and winter settles in, it’s easy to assume the orchard goes quiet—including the bees. But honeybees don’t disappear when the cold arrives. Instead, winter reveals just how resilient and essential these pollinators truly are.
Honeybees Don’t Hibernate—They Adapt
Unlike bears or other animals that hibernate, honeybees stay active throughout the winter months. Inside the hive, bees cluster tightly together, forming what’s known as a winter cluster. By flexing their wing and flight muscles without flying, they generate heat to keep the colony warm.
This constant movement requires energy, which is why honey stored from the growing season is critical. Honey isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s the fuel that keeps the hive alive through winter.
Built for the Cold: Winter Bees
Not all worker bees are the same. Worker bees born during the summer live about five to six weeks. But bees born in late fall—often called winter bees—can live up to six months. Their longer lifespan allows the colony to survive until spring, when new generations of bees begin emerging.
Quick Trips Outside the Hive
Although bees spend most of winter inside the hive, they do leave briefly on warmer days. When temperatures rise above about 40–50°F, bees take short “cleansing flights” to relieve themselves before quickly returning to the warmth of the hive.
Snow Can Be a Good Thing
While cold temperatures might seem threatening, snow can actually help honeybees. Snow acts as insulation, helping maintain more stable temperatures inside the hive. As long as the bees remain dry and have enough food, they can survive temperatures well below freezing.
Not All Bees Winter the Same
Honeybees aren’t the only pollinators around Kimmel Orchard. Bumble bees, for example, winter differently. Most bumble bee colonies die off in the fall, leaving only the queen to survive underground until spring, when she starts a new colony.
Why Pollinators Matter—Even in Winter
Pollinators play an important role in the orchard ecosystem all year long. Winter is a reminder that the health of spring blossoms, apples, and grapes depends on the preparation and survival of pollinators during the coldest months.
At Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard, caring for the land means understanding every season—including the quiet, hardworking months of winter. We’re proud to partner with the UNL Bee Lab, helping care for and harvest all of their honey while supporting research that keeps pollinators thriving.
Stay curious, and keep learning alongside us as we explore the many systems that make the orchard thrive year‑round!
