Bee Cozy: Winter in the Hive

Written By: Jasmine Frink

“Life gave us lemons, and we made lemonade. Bees, on the other hand, make honey and survive the winter like pros.”

Alright, picture this: while you’re wrapped up in blankets during the winter storm, snoozing in cozy comfort, honeybees are hosting the ultimate team-building retreat in their hives. Their winter strategy? A winter cluster, which is essentially a tightly packed huddle of bees with one critical mission stay warm and keep the hive alive.

Here in Texas, when the cold sets in, honeybees don’t just chill. They cluster together, with bees on the outer edges insulating those in the center. It’s a relay of warmth, ensuring the queen and brood are protected. And it’s not all snoozing these little workers rely on the honey they’ve stored all year to fuel their hive through the season.

If the hive’s honey reserves fall short or the cluster can’t maintain its temperature, trouble brews fast. But honeybees don’t panic they pivot, working as a flawless team to keep their colony alive.

So next time you sip lemonade or drizzle honey on toast, give a nod to these incredible insects. They remind us that preparation, teamwork, and a bit of sweetness can get us through even the toughest storms.

Stay warm, y’all, and keep that honey stocked! 🐝🍯