What do Bees do in Winter?
What do bees do in winter?
Without blankets, fires, or adjustable thermostats, honeybees have to stick together pretty closely to stay warm (and alive) in the winter. When temperatures in the winter drop below 10 °C, honeybees retreat to their hives and form a winter cluster to keep warm—sort of like a giant three-month slumber party.
The fate of the hive depends on how sufficiently the winter population has prepared for the cold. To survive and keep warm, the hive must have a robust population of winter-ready bees, plentiful stores of honey to eat, and a secure hive.
A successful winter cluster is made up of a generation of bees with different physiological characteristics from those of the summer population—bees that are a bit more plump to keep up the heat and have a longer lifespan to last the whole winter (4–6 months instead of only a few weeks). The queen will stop laying if food supplies get low to conserve stores.
On warm winter days some bees will venture out in search of winter flowers and pollen. they also leave the hive to poop as the like to keep the hive clean.
Wasps and bumblebees on the other hand all die off except for the queen who will go into hibernation until spring.
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
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47.9% Yes
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50.2% No
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Stay sun-safe and well-read this spring
Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
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Neighbourly's Online Spring Garage Sale
On Saturday, 28th of September we'll be holding an online garage sale and you are invited - both to score some bargains and to sell your wares!
The sun is starting to shine and perhaps you're ready to part with your winter goods, get involved by listing your goods ahead of Saturday's event. And come back on Saturday to find new treasures.
List your items now. Head to Market.
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