Australia is an intensely hot, dry place – and climate change isn’t helping. High temperatures can be dangerous for people and animals – including bees. Although bees like it warm, sustained overheating can kill brood and potentially weaken the colony.

For bees, the ideal internal temperature of the hive is around 35°C. They maintain this temperature in winter by huddling together, sealing cracks in the outside of the hive, and buzzing to generate heat.

In summer, large numbers of worker bees are out and about during the day, which helps to keep the temperature down. If the outside temperature is high, foragers bring water back to the hive along with nectar and pollen. As this evaporates, it helps reduce the heat and keep the hive cool. Some of the bees also beat their wings to circulate air inside the hive.

Honey bees are amazingly adaptable animals – that’s why they’re able to survive in different climates all over the world. However, with an increasingly hot climate, Australian beekeepers face unique challenges during summer. Beekeepers need to be mindful of the heat, keep a close eye
on their bees, and act quickly if there is a risk of overheating. That way, they can ensure the hives stay healthy through the warmer months.

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