Honey Bees Working to Keep Their Hive Cool in Warm Months

Honey bees gather on the landing board to fan their wings in an effort to circulate air inside the hive and regulate the hive temperature.

We humans are so lucky to have air conditioning in the summertime, especially here in southeast Texas, where on average high temperatures can reach more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit several times each year.  Bees, on the other hand, have to work to keep their hives at a perfect temperature to ensure proper development of their brood; between about 91 and 97 Fahrenheit.

Honey bees are very efficient in cooling their hives. One method bees use is to position themselves along the landing board in the front of their hive and energetically fan their wings to draw air outside the hive and create air circulation within the hive.  The bees will also bring extra water into their hive to keep it cool.  They may bring up to a gallon of water in one day and distribute it around the hive to function as a coolant.

Bees also regulate the hive temperature by working as a team and clustering together on the outside of their hive.  This phenomenon is called “bearding”.  Bearding together outside the hive helps to prevent congestion inside the hive, removing extra body heat and lowering the internal hive temperature.

We beekeepers also have a role in assisting the bees in keeping their hive cool.  First, when we originally installed our hives, we strategically positioned them along a mature tree line so that the afternoon sun is blocked by shade from the trees.  Second, we use a screened inner cover instead of a solid wooden cover inside the top of the hives, which allows for inflow of air.  On steamy days, hot air has a better chance to escape.  These strategies keep the bees from having to work as hard to regulate the hive temperature.

Hive temperature regulation is very important all year long, and as we approach another hot summer, we will keep a close eye on our hives to be certain they remain healthy in the bee yard.