What happens to honeybees in the winter? And how did the hives weather this winter weather as we move into spring? Nick Thill, Wisconsin Honey Producers Association President, says he has been getting mixed reviews from beekeepers throughout the state. He shares how these pollinators handled the cold temperatures and what to expect moving into spring, including potential hive invaders.

“I’ve heard a lot of beekeepers in the state have had an amazing survival rate,” says Thill. “This winter has been a little milder than previous years. The temperatures have been relatively mild yet there are also some hives that have been decimated this year and with high losses.”

An average winter loss for Wisconsin beekeepers is between 25 to 35 percent. Thill says the last few years they have been trending within that range and evening out in terms of loss and success.