Bees have their own unique ways of coping with cold temperatures during the winter season. One way bees prepare for the winter is by gathering a winter reserve of honey. They head back to the hive when temperatures drop into the 50s. It is their main job to take care of the queen bee during the winter. This means they have to keep her safe and warm.

In order to keep the queen bee warm, the worker bees surround the queen and form a cluster with their bodies, then flutter their wings and shiver. To keep them shivering continuously, the bees must have enough honey.

One of the most important jobs of the beekeeper in the winter is to make sure the honey supply stays full so the bees can keep shivering.

Fun facts about bees:

• Honeybees are the only insect that produces food eaten by humans.
• Worker honey bees are female.
• The average worker bee produces only 1/12 teaspoon of honey over her lifetime.
• A worker bee lives about 6 weeks. The queen bee can live to be 5 years old.
• Honey never spoils.
• To make one pound of honey, bees must visit 2 million flowers.