Winter kill refers to the loss of honey bee colonies during the winter months, typically as a result of harsh weather conditions, inadequate food stores, diseases, pests, or a combination of these factors. The frequency and severity of winter kill can vary across different regions of the USA due to differences in climate, beekeeping practices, and local environmental factors.

Here’s a general overview of winter kill frequency in different regions of the USA:

1. Northeastern USA: This region experiences cold, long winters with heavy snowfall, making it more challenging for beekeepers to maintain healthy colonies. Winter kill rates can be relatively high, ranging from 20% to 50% or even higher, depending on the specific location and winter conditions.
2. Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern USA: Winters in these regions are generally milder than in the Northeast, which can lead to lower winter kill rates. However, the risk is still present due to occasional cold snaps, pests, and diseases. Winter kill rates may range from 15% to 35%.
3. Midwestern USA: This region experiences cold winters, but the severity can vary from year to year. Winter kill rates in the Midwest can range from 20% to 40% or higher, depending on the specific location and winter conditions.
4. Western USA: The climate in the western region of the USA varies significantly, with some areas experiencing mild winters and others having harsh winter conditions. Winter kill rates can range from 10% to 35%, depending on the specific location and the environmental factors.
5. Southwestern USA: Winters in this region are typically mild, with lower winter kill rates than other parts of the country. However, droughts, pests, and diseases can still contribute to colony losses. Winter kill rates may range from 10% to 25%.

It’s important to note that these are approximate ranges, and winter kill rates can vary greatly within each region due to factors such as beekeeping practices, local climate variations, and the prevalence of pests and diseases. Beekeepers can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of winter kill by ensuring their colonies have adequate food stores, proper ventilation, and protection from harsh weather, as well as by treating and managing diseases and pests in a timely manner.

Recovery from Winter Kill

Recovering a honey beehive after a winter kill can be a challenging task, but with the right steps, you can help your colony bounce back. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Assess the damage: Inspect the hive and determine the extent of the winter kill. Look for dead bees, brood, and honey stores. Check the overall condition of the hive, including frames, comb, and the presence of diseases or pests.
2. Remove dead bees: Carefully remove any dead bees from the hive. This is important to prevent the spread of diseases and to create a clean environment for a new colony.
3. Clean and sterilize: Clean the hive thoroughly by removing debris, mold, or any other contaminants. You may need to sterilize the hive using a bleach solution or other approved methods to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
4. Check for diseases and pests: Inspect the hive for any signs of diseases, such as American Foulbrood or Nosema, as well as pests like Varroa mites or small hive beetles. If you find any issues, treat them accordingly before introducing new bees.
5. Assess honey stores: If there are still adequate honey stores left in the hive, leave them for the new colony. If the stores are low, you may need to provide supplemental feeding, such as sugar syrup or pollen patties, to help the new colony establish itself.
6. Replace damaged equipment: If any parts of the hive, like frames or foundation, are damaged or unusable, replace them with new ones to ensure the new colony has a healthy environment.
7. Obtain a new colony: To restart the hive, you’ll need a new colony. You can either purchase a package of bees, a nuc (nucleus colony), or catch a swarm. Make sure the new colony has a healthy, mated queen.
8. Introduce the new colony: Carefully introduce the new colony to the cleaned hive, following proper installation methods for the type of colony you have. Monitor the new bees closely during the first few days, ensuring they are acclimating well to their new environment.
9. Provide ongoing care: Continue to monitor the hive throughout the spring and summer, checking for signs of pests, diseases, and overall colony health. Provide supplemental feeding as needed and ensure the colony has access to water and forage.

By following these steps, you can help your honey beehive recover after a winter kill and set it on a path to thrive in the coming seasons.

Time requirements

The time required to accomplish the steps outlined can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the winter kill, the size and condition of the hive, your experience with beekeeping, and the availability of necessary equipment and resources. Here’s a rough estimate of the time required for each step:

1. Assess the damage: 30 minutes to 1 hour
2. Remove dead bees: 30 minutes to 1 hour
3. Clean and sterilize: 1 to 2 hours
4. Check for diseases and pests: 30 minutes to 1 hour
5. Assess honey stores: 15 to 30 minutes
6. Replace damaged equipment: 1 to 2 hours (assuming you have the necessary equipment on hand)
7. Obtain a new colony: This step is highly variable, as it depends on the availability of bees for purchase or the time it takes to catch a swarm. It could range from a few hours to several days or weeks.
8. Introduce the new colony: 1 to 2 hours
9. Provide ongoing care: This step is ongoing and will require regular check-ins and maintenance throughout the season, typically every 1-2 weeks, with each check taking 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The total estimated time for these steps, excluding step 7 (obtaining a new colony), ranges from approximately 5 to 9 hours. However, these times are only rough estimates and can vary significantly depending on your unique situation and experience level.

Economic Losses

To calculate the economic loss from winter kill, we need to consider the cost of the box of bees, the value of your time spent on recovering the beehive, and the value of the lost honey.

1. Cost of a box of bees: $150
2. Value of your time: As mentioned earlier, it takes approximately 5 to 9 hours to complete the steps outlined to recover a beehive (excluding obtaining a new colony). Assuming a minimum value of $25 per hour, this amounts to:Minimum time (5 hours) × $25/hour = $125 Maximum time (9 hours) × $25/hour = $225
3. Value of lost honey: Given that an average of 35 kg of honey is left to winter the bees. To calculate the value of the lost honey, first, we need to convert kilograms to pounds:35 kg × 2.20462 lbs/kg ≈ 77.16 lbs

The retail price of honey is $9.05 per pound as as reported in the JUNE 2022 REGIONAL HONEY PRICE REPORT from Bee Culture, the Magazine of American Beekeeping. Therefore, the value of the lost honey is:

77.16 lbs × $9.05/lb ≈ $698.40

Now, we can calculate the economic loss from winter kill:

Loss = Cost of bees + Value of time + Value of lost honey

Using the minimum value for your time:

Loss = $150 + $125 + $698.40 ≈ $973.40

Using the maximum value for your time:

Loss = $150 + $225 + $698.40 ≈ $1,073.40

So, the estimated economic loss from winter kill ranges from approximately $973.40 to $1,073.40, depending on the value of your time spent on recovering the beehive.