If a honeybee colony’s cluster is disrupted by condensation during very cold weather, the bees within can no longer regulate their body temperatures. They may be unable to re-cluster and stay warm, putting the entire colony at risk of perishing. Cold, wet water dripping onto a honeybee cluster trying to stay warm during the winter can be especially dangerous. Normally bees will “fan” excess moisture to remove it from the hive, but once they’ve formed their cluster, they are unable to.
Condensation is formed inside a honeybee hive when the warm air that winter bees create to manage their cluster’s temperature rises and meets the much colder surfaces of the inside of their hive. The condensation causes water to drip down inside the hive, all over the walls, the frames, and sometimes the bees themselves.
Excess moisture in a beehive may lead to the growth of mold and harmful bacteria inside along with it, putting bees at risk of developing harmful diseases, too. Future generations of bees also face this risk, as they may be raised in moldy combs or eat stored resources tainted with bacteria.
Moisture can even damage and warp wooden equipment, too. Many beekeepers in colder climates prefer using hive components made from a material with better insulation (and a higher R-value) than traditional wooden beehives, like polystyrene. Added insulation can help bees manage the temperature and moisture levels in the cold. (See the “Read More” section below for more on insulation and polystyrene hive products!)
Prevention of excess condensation before winter begins is the real key to helping your bees maintain the correct balance of moisture and temperatures when it’s cold outside. Consider not only adding extra insulation to help them retain warmth but also making sure there is enough ventilation to remove excess moisture (but not too much airflow, or bees may be too exposed to the cold air). If you need to open the hive to add supplemental feed, consider choosing a candy board as they can help absorb moisture… but make sure to only do so briefly, and at the right time.
Read More
Adding Beehive Insulation for the Winter
The PerfectBee Guide to Slatted Racks (A Great In-Hive Ventilation and Insulation Aid)
How Honeybees Manage Temperature and Moisture *
* Colony Member-Only Content
