The amount of time that a bee lives varies based on the type of bee and the season. Drone bees, for example, rarely survive through a winter but worker honey bees just become inactive when the winter season comes. This article explores the hibernation patterns of bees, bee activity at the end of the year, and how to get rid of bees if you notice them around your home.
The Life of an Adult Bee
There are four stages of life for a bee: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The adult phase begins when the bee emerges from the capped cell of the pupa stage and is free to start fulfilling its role in the bee caste system. Honey bees are either worker bees, drone bees, or queen bees – all essential roles to keep the hive functioning properly. The developmental period for a bee is between 16 and 24 days.
Do Bees Hibernate?
Yes, some types of bees hibernate to survive the cold winter and extend their lifespan until the next year. Bumble bee queens mate and find a safe place to nest for the winter while the rest of the colony dies off in the cold. Hibernation is important for the queen bee so she can burn very little energy and slow down her metabolism in the winter and avoid death. However, honey bees stay fully awake during the winter and do not hibernate. A honey bee colony is active all winter long with the bees eating and working to store away food.
Bees Through the Seasons
Many types of bees become less active in the winter and are not seen because they are either hibernating, staying inside for warmth, or dying off. Bee activity picks up in the spring when the weather gets warm and plants start to bloom. Bees are very active in the summer months, and then they start to prepare for the winter during the fall season to continue the cycle of life.
Getting Rid of Bees in the Late Fall
Bee removal is a common service that we provide at Precise Termite and Pest Control in the fall because they are prominently out and about preparing for winter. During this time of year, bees get into food-gathering mode to stock up on supplies for cold days ahead. This means that you may see more bee activity as the bees make preparations to help their colonies survive.
Contact Precise Termite and Pest Control at 866-971-2847 for a free bee inspection and consultation about how to handle the bees in your yard. We’ll check all potential bee habitats, ensure that items around your home aren’t attracting bees, and safely and humanely remove bees so that you aren’t burdened by them. We look forward to serving you in Northern New Jersey.