To ensure the survival of a honey bee colony through winter, you must verify the hive contains approximately six combs of stored pollen and a honey reserve weighing between 60 to 90 pounds. These levels should be confirmed by the arrival of autumn, as they constitute the critical energy and protein reserves required to sustain the colony until spring forage becomes available.
Core Takeaway Successful overwintering relies on maintaining a conservative surplus rather than a bare minimum; ensuring your colony holds 60 to 90 pounds of honey and substantial pollen stores significantly increases survival rates, particularly in colder climates.
Honey Reserves: The Primary Energy Source
The Weight Benchmark
For colonies in all regions, the standard quantitative benchmark for winter honey stores is 60 to 90 pounds.
This weight refers to cured, capped honey left within the hive after the final harvest.
Timing the Assessment
This target weight must be met by September, or the arrival of autumn in your specific region.
Conduct your assessment during the honey harvest to ensure you leave enough resources behind before the temperature drops.
Strategic Storage Location
Bees naturally store excess honey at the top of the hive where there is extra room.
This placement allows the cluster to move upward and access food reserves efficiently during periods of nectar dearth or extreme cold.
Pollen Stores: The Protein Foundation
The Quantitative Goal
To support colony health and early spring brood rearing, the hive should contain approximately six combs of stored pollen.
This is particularly critical in colder climates where early spring foraging may be delayed by weather.
Organization for Access
Honey bees are highly organized and typically store pollen near the larvae.
This proximity ensures that nurse bees have immediate access to the protein required to feed the developing brood during the late winter and early spring expansion.
Common Pitfalls and Trade-offs
The Risk of Over-Harvesting
A common mistake during the September harvest is prioritizing the beekeeper's yield over the colony's winter needs.
Taking too much honey forces the colony to rely on emergency feeding, which is often less nutritious and harder for bees to process in cold weather.
Climate and Colony Variability
While 60 pounds is the lower limit, it may not be sufficient for large colonies or regions with long, harsh winters.
Relying on the lower end of the benchmark (60 lbs) in a northern climate is a high-risk strategy that reduces the margin for error.
Making the Right Choice for Your Hive
To apply these benchmarks effectively, adjust your strategy based on your local environment and colony strength:
- If your primary focus is a region with harsh winters: Aim for the upper limit of 90 pounds of honey and ensure the full six combs of pollen are present to account for longer confinement periods.
- If your primary focus is a smaller colony or milder climate: You may target the 60-pound baseline, but maintaining a surplus is always safer than risking starvation.
Prioritize leaving a conservative surplus to guarantee your colony has the fuel to survive the winter and thrive in the spring.
Summary Table:
| Resource | Recommended Quantity | Placement/Timing | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honey | 60 - 90 lbs (27 - 40 kg) | Top of the hive; assess by Sept/Autumn | Primary energy source for heat production |
| Pollen | Approx. 6 combs | Near the brood/larvae | Protein for nurse bees and early spring brood |
| Timing | Final Assessment | Prior to arrival of autumn | Prevents over-harvesting and colony starvation |
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