In extremely hot temperatures, bees may vacate the hive to avoid over-heating and killing the brood.

Bees may become overheated if they are confined in the hive during hot weather and have no access to water. It is especially a problem when hives are being moved in hot weather for pollination or to follow honey flows. Overheated bees crawl rapidly and flutter their wings. When released from their confinement they will disperse by crawling in a disorderly manner. When bees have died from overheating they are sometimes wet which is due to the bee regurgitating fluids in vain attempts to cool themselves. Temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) are usually the starting point for overheating. Overheating can be avoided by not confining bees during hot days for long periods. The best time to move bees is in the evening when it is comparatively cool.

Honey Bee Disorders / UGA Honey Bee Program / UGA Entomology Department