It's been since mid-november since the temps have climbed high enough for cleansing flights here in NE vermont. And it just keeps getting colder! So how long can the bees typically go without cleansing flights and what are the repercussions if there is no opportunity?
You're worrying about something over which you have no control. Wasted effort.
The bees will survive not getting cleansing flights. They will do what you do. Hold it as long as possible and then lose it. There will be some yellow streaks in the hive that they will eventually clean up or cover over. It will be stressful and they will survive that. It's the mites you have to worry about.
The best thing to do now is don't disturb the hives and watch out for mice entering the hives.On a warm day i'll just put my ear aganist the hive and tap on it to see if they are alive.Ive never seen where the bees have let loose in the hive before.I try to get northern bred queens they seem to winter alot better.
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