Have Your Bees Died From Cold or Starvation?

Despite the widespread belief that cold weather is what kills honey bee colonies during winter, research has revealed this isn't always necessarily the case. In actuality, it's usually a much more intricate combination of factors such as starvation or lack of access to food resources. Therefore, explaining why colonies die in winter cannot be attributed to just one single cause alone.

A large number of bees but no food

There is nothing more disheartening than witnessing a colony succumb to starvation with dead bees piled high in the hive, crowded around each frame and even blanketing the bottom board. Inevitably one wonders: did these little creatures die of cold or from lack of sustenance? It's likely that once they had no food left, their bodies were unable to maintain sufficient warmth for survival. Ultimately, it was both - death by cold and starvation intertwined.

An age-old debate persists: when an aircraft runs out of fuel and crash lands, do the passengers perish due to the destruction caused by impact or because of running out of gas? It's a difficult question with no single answer. Though it is true that without depleting its supply of fuel, there would have been no collision, conversely seemingly harmless lack of fuel was not responsible for any fatalities; rather it was inflicted upon them through sheer force.

Honeybees are remarkable when it comes to maintaining warmth. Whenever you encounter a dead colony, the question that should be asked is this: “Could providing nourishment have saved them?” To me, the answer seems clear; if there was an obvious lack of food as the source of their demise, then sadly they starved. It's just like running out of fuel in an aeroplane - once all sources are exhausted, even wizards cannot remain standing strong.

Bees in critical numbers

On a cold winter's day, small and unhealthy bee colonies are in serious jeopardy as they lack the necessary bodies to produce enough heat for survival. To guarantee that your bees have optimum warmth, you must make sure their health is top-notch - this involves considering factors such as climate, weather conditions, hive type, genetics of the colony etc. Although it may seem impossible at first glance; I've personally seen colonies no bigger than baseballs thrive during chilly days when all other parameters were ideal.

Alternatively, if the colony lacks a substantial population of healthy and well-nourished bees, all chances for survival are jeopardized. If it is already suffering from an illness or parasite infestation, malnutrition, lack of queen bee presence or due to its genetics being unsuitable for the environment - then no amount of feeding, protecting measures and nurturing can help save them. Therefore health should be a priority when preparing them against cold weather conditions.

The last straw

When you observe dead colonies, it's easy to assume that the cold weather killed them, but what really caused their demise may be something else entirely. Just as passengers aboard an aeroplane are doomed from the moment when it runs out of fuel during a crash, so too can bees succumb to unseen circumstances. To guard against future disasters like this, we must seek to understand what actually led up to these tragic events.

If a bee colony is healthy, with easy access to food sources and of suitable size, then it should be able to regulate its own temperature. Before deciding on an overwintering strategy for the colony, one must ask why the colony is so small in size. It could simply have been caused by a late swarm or split and may be fine otherwise; if that's true, you need strategies for keeping the small-sized hive warm — think of it as giving them some extra TLC!

Analyzing the causes

If a colony is mysteriously small, it could be an indicator that the bees are not healthy enough to survive winter. It's often thought that cold temperatures have killed off hives when in fact this was just part of their struggle - many colonies suffer from illnesses or pests and lack sufficient numbers to keep themselves warm. Despite offering extra food resources, if the hive falls ill then it won't matter as no amount of nutrition can revive them; especially with fewer workers left to generate warmth for the colony.

Rather than perpetually debating over whether a bee's death was caused by the cold or starvation, it is far more important to analyze why your bees were so exposed in the first place. By reflecting on these questions and making modifications to your technique as needed, you will become an even better beekeeper!

It Could Bee a Stinger

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a native predatory wasp located in Asia. Due to its potential impact on Great Britain, sightings of the species are classified as an Alert Species and must be reported immediately to avoid establishing populations in GB.

Closeup on the Asian yellow-legged Hornet wasp, Vespa velutina, a recently introduced threat to honeybees

In September 2016, the National Bee Unit documented a groundbreaking discovery-their first sighting of Asian hornets in Great Britain. Since then (as of August 26th 2022), there have been 22 sightings confirmed and 12 nests identified that were ultimately destroyed.

If you encounter an Asian hornet, kindly refrain from approaching them or destroying their nests. Log all sightings immediately using the convenient Asian Hornet Watch app available on Android and iPhone devices, or report online.

What's the concern?

The Asian hornet may be a potential new invasive species, and it is of great concern due to its dietary preferences which include pollinators, spiders, small mammals-and even bee colonies. Already established in France and Belgium, if this invader has successfully established itself elsewhere it could have severe repercussions on our native bees as well as other ecosystems. It has been recognised that climate change will aid the propagation of many non-native species such as the Asian Hornet; already we are seeing drastic impacts in areas where they thrive.

As winters become milder, this will provide suitable environments for both current and potential invasive species to spread further north. Invasive species are known to possess broader environmental tolerances, making them more likely than native plants and animals to outlast the effects of climate change. Thus, climatic shifts could prove disastrous as they may create ideal breeding grounds for these invaders capable of overwhelming local ecosystems.

Asian hornets have a remarkable adaptation that allows them to keep their colonies at an even temperature of around 30°C-they use regurgitated water from their mandibles and vibrating wings for cooling. This capability enables the colony to remain active during extreme temperatures, allowing these insects to hunt regardless of climate conditions. It's imperative that more people become aware of Asian hornet sightings so we can identify and report them properly; this is why our Ecosystem Invaders campaign uses the Asian Hornet as its eye-catching character in order to raise public awareness regarding invasive species.

Why now?

In September (2022), the British Beekeepers Association and Animal and Plant Health Agency have jointly launched Asian Hornet Week from the 5th to 11th. Their aim? To spread awareness about these potentially harmful creatures.

But why promote this campaign now, when we've been surrounded by a myriad of bees, bumblebees, hornets and wasps all through springtime?

In the summer and early fall months, Asian hornets transition from a sugar-based diet to one rich in protein. As their dietary needs change, they can often be seen hovering near bee hives as they search for more sustenance to provide for the growing larvae within their nest. This behavior of 'hawking' at hive entrances is crucial for providing food during this precarious time of year.Once Asian hornets locate honeybee hives or apiaries, they are likely to return over and over until all resources have been consumed. These repeated visits known as 'hawking' ultimately has two major consequences;

Bee hives suffer 'foraging paralysis' when hovering hornets appear, resulting in a decrease of bee flight activity. Similarly, predation by these same pests lead to 'homing failure', preventing bees from returning home safely.

As leaves begin to crisp and fall away during the late Summer and early Autumn months, exposed Asian hornet nests become more visible. Reporting on these locations gives the National Bee Unit a better chance of finding any lurking Asian hornets before they produce new queens. This is our best hope for averting any further spread or damage from this species in our environment!

How do I know if I've seen one?

Knowing the distinct physical characteristics of an Asian hornet is key to being able to spot one quickly. This particular species has a completely black body, with exception of its fourth abdomen segment that prominently shows a wide orange stripe, as well as some thin yellow stripes throughout. Additionally, it's legs appear painted in shades of yellow and its face is brightly colored in shade of orange – so you can't miss them! Utilizing these features will make identifying Asian hornets much simpler for everyone.

Attempting to identify Asian hornets can be particularly difficult, with so many native species in Britain having a comparable appearance. Nevertheless, if you are under the impression that you spotted an Asian Hornet during nighttime hours, rest assured that this is impossible as they only fly around during daylight.

Here are 4 similar species:

European Hornet

Our local hornet species, the European hornet (Vespa crabro), is much bigger than its Asian counterpart. It boasts a striking yet subtle look with a brown body that's decorated in alternating yellow and black stripes located on its abdomen. From looking at it from the front, you'll notice that this insect has an all-yellow head whereas if seen from above, it will appear reddish in hue.

European hornet

Giant Horntail

The Giant Horntail (Urocerus gigas) is an awe-inspiring species of sawfly, noticeably slender and elongated when compared with the Asian Hornet. Its abdomen displays a striking yellow and black patterning, while its antennae and legs are both enveloped in bright yellow hues.

Giant Horntail

Hornet moth

The captivating hornet moth (Sesia apiformis) is an awe-inspiring species with clear wings akin to bees or hornets. As part of the hymenoptera group, this fascinating creature uses mimicry as a form of self-defence mechanism. It has distinctively outlined wings paired with its fuzzy body and minuscule eyes—no defined 'waist' in sight!

Hornet moth

Hornet mimic hoverfly

A remarkable insect is the Hornet mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria). These flies cleverly imitate the color of another species and have round, conspicuous eyes that can be seen from above. Additionally, their legs are black and antennae short yet stubby.

Hornet mimic hoverfly

Get involved!

Now that you can recognize an Asian hornet, it's time to get involved and report any potential sightings! Recording these observations is essential in preventing the formation of future colonies. Don't wait - take action now to help protect your community from this destructive species.

If you think you've identified an Asian Hornet or their nest, please resist the urge to approach, capture and destroy either. When possible, take a photo of it and make sure to note your location as well. Even if a photograph isn't attainable, submit details about what you saw on the GB NNSS website by filling out their online form or utilizing the Asian Hornet Watch app instead! The prevention of this Alert Species relies heavily upon citizens like yourself for reporting sightings - By doing so, not only are you protecting native species but also helping us keep our environment safe!

We Need Bees More Than Honey

A world without honey bees is a sobering idea, yet one we may be forced to confront in the not-so-distant future. In fact, some areas of China are already experiencing this nightmare scenario as wild honey bee populations have vanished entirely and people now must pollinate orchards manually.

Why are bees necessary?

The honey bee is a critical contributor to the global food supply, responsible for pollinating as much as 70 of the world's top 100 crops. In fact, it's estimated that one out of every three bites we eat owes its existence to these industrious creatures and other types of pollinators!

Without bees, many fruits and vegetables would soon vanish from our tables - apples, cucumbers, carrots and almonds are just some examples. Coffee lovers may be in for trouble too; this favourite beverage will also disappear if there aren't enough bees around. And what about cotton or plants like sunflowers that provide us with seed-based oils? All gone should we lose our hardworking friends: the honeybees!

If honey bees weren't in existence, our diets would consist predominantly of corn and wheat as these are the few plants that rely on wind pollination. Moreover, alfalfa farmers who depend on bee-pollinated flowers for hay to feed their cows could potentially experience a crisis due to a lack of pollinators. Therefore, even the milk and beef industry would be subjected to serious consequences from Honey Bee's decline.

The honey bee's predicament has been widely discussed in recent years, particularly the sudden explosion of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) beginning in 2006. This occurs when most worker bees pass away all at once and instantly wipe out an entire hive. We still have no real understanding as to what brings about this issue but there are a few theories that may provide insight.

The latest study is extremely disturbing, showing that bees actually prefer plants sprayed with neonicotinoid (nicotine-based) insecticides - despite the fact that these pesticides can cause them to eat less overall. Moreover, these particular bug repellents have been identified as having a detrimental effect on honey bees; from physical and mental disorientation to an inability to recognize flowers. It's clear that this class of insecticides poses serious risks for our buzzing friends.

In addition to other causes, Colony Collapse Disorder might be provoked by the tension of travelling. Most honey bees require transportation to orchards for pollination which can lead to an immense level of stress that could cause a hive's inability to run as usual.

Of all the crucial pollinators in the UK, honey bees are undoubtedly the most significant. Without them, we would not be able to enjoy their one-of-a-kind product: honey. The heavy reliance on imported honey has sparked concern about its purity and safety due to inconsistencies in regulations between countries. Additionally, other pollinators such as bumblebees and other solitary bees often go unnoticed despite being equally important for a healthy ecosystem; they too require specific conditions to survive!

Good news: you can help promote honey bee health by taking a few steps.

A little help to help the bees

1. Make your garden bee-friendly. Have a garden that's both attractive and beneficial to the honey bee population! Discover which flowers and vegetables will draw in bees, then get planting. Not only are you helping our pollinating friends survive, but your backyard garden will be looking amazing as well.

2. Provide a safe home for the wild bees. Constructing a home for bees is an easy and fun DIY project that can be created from lumber, bamboo, or even hollow sticks.

3. Have a bee watering source. Create a mini oasis for your local bees by filling a shallow bowl with rocks as an inviting platform, then topping it off with clean water. Not only will this provide them much-needed hydration, but also the sense of safety they need to reenergize!

4. Purchase your own hive. April to June is the opportune time for aspiring beekeepers to begin their journey - with enough time for the bees to build new combs and stockpile provisions in preparation for winter. Starting with a nucleus of bees during this period will ensure your colony's success as they can thrive without any hindrance.You can start with a hive like this one.

5. Stay away from chemical pesticides. Instead of using chemical products, try making natural alternatives that are safer and just as effective. Have a look on this article about some ideas.

6. Purchase eco products. By backing organic farmers, we can help to safeguard honey bees and the whole environment.

To ensure our own survival, we must take action to protect the bee population. Without bees, our environment and food sources would suffer immensely - a consequence that nobody wishes for. It is thus of utmost importance that we save the bees before it's too late!