Research Paper Canadian Overwintering Techniques Applied in Arid Climates IMYB 2024 Team Canada Ben Marshall, Rebecca Wood, Heidi Westbye Struggles in an Arid Climate Honey bees ( Apis mellifera ) are essential pollinators that play a critical role in supporting the health of ecosystems and agricultural productivity worldwide. However, in both hot, arid climates and cold, winter conditions, these vital pollinators face a range of challenges that threaten their survival and efficiency. In hot and arid environments (Figure 1), one of the most pressing challenges is heat stress, which is exacerbated by rising temperatures. Honey bees are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and when temperatures exceed the optimal range of 34-36°C, they struggle to regulate the internal temperature of their hives (Stabentheiner et al., 2010). This inability to maintain a stable microclimate can lead to overheating and, in extreme cases, colony collapse (Hristov et al., 2020). Heat stress also impairs the bees' foraging behavior, reducing their ability to collect nectar and pollen—critical resources for feeding and sustaining the colony (Naumchik, 2023). Water scarcity further compounds the difficulties faced by honey bees in arid regions. Bees require water not only for cooling the hive and maintaining humidity but also for feeding larvae (Salkeld, 2021). In desert and semi-desert environments, natural water sources are scarce and unpredictable, forcing bees to travel longer distances in search of water. This increases their energy expenditure and decreases foraging efficiency, making it more difficult for colonies to thrive. Additionally, the availability of forage is often limited due to drought conditions and the loss of flowering plants, further diminishing the nectar and pollen necessary for the colony’s nourishment. Together, the combined effects of heat stress, water scarcity, and reduced forage availability significantly threaten the survival of honey bee populations in arid regions. As climate change continues to exacerbate these conditions, the resilience of these colonies is increasingly tested. Struggles in the Canadian Climate In contrast, beekeepers in Canada (Figure 2) face their own set of challenges related to extreme cold temperatures, which can dip below -30°C. These frigid conditions challenge the bees’ ability to maintain their internal temperature (Poelsma, 2022). During winter, flowers are scarce, and bees must rely solely on stored honey to sustain them. Poor management of these honey reserves can result in starvation before spring. Additionally, ensuring the proper insulation of the hive is crucial; inadequate insulation causes heat loss, forcing bees to huddle together, which can lead to mortality. Condensation from the respiration of the bees, if not managed through proper ventilation, can freeze or promote mold growth within the hive (Williams, 2024). Poor ventilation can also impair the bees’ ability to breathe and cause structural damage to the hive. Moreover, infestations of varroa mites (Figure 3) and diseases like Nosema and American Foulbrood continue to weaken colonies during the winter months when they are largely untreated ( Winter bees and Varroa mites ). Cold winds exacerbate temperature regulation issues, highlighting the need for protection against harsh winds. Nutrient imbalances may also arise if the bees rely too heavily on honey and lack sufficient pollen stores, delaying their recovery in the spring. At this critical time, the knowledge and experience of beekeepers is essential for maintaining the health of the colonies, as less-experienced beekeepers may struggle to provide the proper care to sustain their bees through the winter and prevent hive loss (Figure 4). Climate Connections Although the environmental conditions in hot, arid climates and cold, winter regions are vastly different, the challenges faced by honey bees in both contexts highlight the delicate balance these pollinators must maintain to ensure their survival. In both situations, bees are pressured to regulate their internal microclimate and manage vital resources under increasingly difficult conditions. In hot climates, heat stress and water scarcity challenge the bees’ ability to maintain hive conditions, while in cold climates, freezing temperatures, reliance on honey stores, and potential pest infestations pose their own set of challenges. In both environments, effective hive management—whether it involves temperature regulation, resource allocation, or pest control—is essential to ensuring colony survival. Furthermore, the overarching challenge is the impact of climate change (Figure 5), which intensifies the effects of extreme weather conditions, placing greater stress on honey bee populations worldwide. The resilience of these populations will depend on their ability to adapt, requiring careful management practices, climate adaptation strategies, and effective ecosystem management to support their survival in an increasingly unpredictable climate. Overwintering In Canada Beekeepers in Canada employ various strategies to protect their hives during the harsh winter months, with one of the most effective methods being the use of indoor overwintering facilities (Figure 6) (Hopkins et al., 2023). These facilities provide a controlled, insulated environment that helps maintain a stable temperature, ensuring that the bees survive through the cold season. One of the key components of an indoor overwintering setup is an insulated building - the size can differ based on the size of the beekeeper’s operation. These structures are designed to house nucleus colonies and full-sized hives, keeping them warm and protected from the extreme cold. There are many styles and sizes of overwintering facilities, and they are made with a variety of materials. Small scale beekeeper Alin Dumitrescu (OBJ, March/April 2024) created a cost-effective insulated shed, measuring 16 feet by 9 feet and standing 8 feet tall to overwinter his nucleus colonies. The interior and exterior of his shed are finished with Oriented Strand Board (OSB) panels (Figure 7). Dumitrescu used 20R insulation between the studs to provide a solid layer of thermal protection. Windows were insulated and boarded up, ensuring that no light enters the shed. To ensure ventilation and stable temperatures in the shed, Dumitrescu installed a heat recovery unit that operates 24/7, bringing in fresh air through 5-inch air ducts, and an in-line heater to warm the air on its way in. This process helps to maintain a constant temperature of around 5°C, which is gradually lowered to 1°C over time to mimic the natural conditions the bees would experience in the wild during winter. Commercial beekeeper Jerry Jerrard built his facility for overwintering nucleus colonies using a tractor trailer as a base (Comeau, OBJ, May/June 2024). The trailer is heated and both humidity and carbon dioxide are monitored. Unlike a typical overwintering facility, in Jerrard’s facility bees have free access to the outside. Jerrard incorporated features such as dividers to limit drifting between nucleus colonies, a fume hood to enable use of a smoker when inspecting, and a custom-designed feeding system. For larger, commercial beekeepers, maintaining precise control over temperature and humidity is essential. These operations often incorporate temperature controllers to manage the inline heating system, adjusting the heat levels to accommodate the varying weather conditions throughout the winter months. Additionally, commercial beekeepers rely on advanced monitoring systems, including temperature and humidity sensors (Figure 8) as well as data loggers, to track and record environmental conditions continuously. These devices allow for real-time monitoring and ensure that the bees' environment remains optimal. In some cases, commercial beekeepers also install inline heaters to warm the incoming air before it enters the facility. Proper ventilation is key to maintaining the correct air circulation, so air ducts are strategically placed with vents to ensure even distribution of heat. After completing the insulation and ventilation setup, beekeepers install a vapor barrier and finish the walls with OSB to create a sealed, well-insulated space. To facilitate hive inspections, a possible design choice is to install two red light bulbs (Figure 9) with switches to turn them on and off as needed. This is useful for when the beekeeper needs to clean out dead bees or check on the health of colonies. The careful design and attention to detail in these indoor overwintering facilities are essential for ensuring that the bees remain healthy and insulated throughout the winter, allowing beekeepers to start the next season with strong, thriving colonies (Bees for Development, 2021). Canadian Overwintering Techniques Applied In Arid Climates To adapt overwintering techniques for honey bee colonies in arid climates, a similar focus on temperature and resource management must be applied, though with some differences due to the distinct challenges posed by hot and dry environments. Overwintering bees in arid climates involves ensuring that the hive is shielded from extreme heat, while also addressing issues like water scarcity, foraging limitations, and the potential for heat stress. While beekeepers in cold climates focus on maintaining warmth and insulation, those in hot regions need to create a stable, cool microclimate to protect the bees from excessive heat. One approach for managing bees in arid climates is the use of shaded structures (Figure 10) or insulated shelters that help mitigate the effects of high temperatures during the day. These shelters could include the use of lightweight, reflective materials such as aluminum or reflective tarps to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the hives, while still allowing ventilation. Like the insulated sheds used in cold climates, these structures would aim to maintain a more consistent temperature range for the bees, preventing overheating that could lead to colony collapse. Cooling systems, such as evaporative cooling units or misters, could also be used to provide additional relief during periods of extreme heat. These systems work by lowering the temperature through the evaporation of water, which is particularly useful in arid climates where water is more scarce but still vital to regulate hive conditions. Moreover, providing a reliable water source is critical for managing bees in arid climates. In regions where water availability is limited, beekeepers can set up water stations equipped with shallow basins or troughs where bees can access water (Figure 11). To prevent evaporation, these water stations could be strategically placed in shaded areas, and covered to protect the water from the sun. In addition to hydration, water helps to maintain proper humidity levels in the hive, which is essential for brood development and overall hive health (Bakri et al., 2024). Beekeepers might also need to ensure that water stations are replenished regularly, especially during periods of drought, as water scarcity can have an immediate and devastating impact on bee colonies. Feeding practices in arid climates also require careful consideration. In desert or semi-desert regions where nectar and pollen resources may be limited, supplemental feeding may be necessary. Beekeepers can provide bees with sugar syrup or fondant to sustain them during times when natural foraging opportunities are few. However, the balance of energy intake must be carefully managed to avoid overfeeding, which can encourage the bees to become less active and potentially exacerbate heat stress (Shook, 2024). In addition to providing food and water, beekeepers in arid climates must address the increased risk of pests and diseases, which can be more prevalent when colonies are stressed. The dry environment itself can exacerbate conditions like mite infestations, as bees may be forced to expend more energy searching for resources and may have less immunity to pests. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure that pest management practices, such as mite treatments, are applied effectively. Natural or chemical controls should be tailored to the hot, dry environment to prevent colony collapse caused by infestations. Adapting the overwintering process to arid climates also includes considering the bees’ natural behaviors. In hotter regions, bees often seek cooler areas of the hive and cluster together (Figure 12) to regulate temperature (Ocko & Mahadevan, 2013). However, if the hive becomes too hot, these behaviors may be insufficient to protect the colony. Therefore, ensuring that the hive design includes proper ventilation is essential to allow air flow, prevent overheating, and ensure bees can continue to regulate their microclimate. One method for improving ventilation could be the use of screened bottom boards and vented entrance holes, which allow for better airflow without compromising the bees' security from predators or excessive heat. The Hive Pavilion For our design, we developed a hive pavilion (Figure 13) that takes inspiration from the simple structure of a sun shelter. The goal was to create a functional and protective environment for the hives while maintaining an open, airy design. To enhance the pavilion's functionality, we modified its layout to incorporate slanted floors. These slanted floors are designed with integrated drainage systems underneath, which lead into a pump system (Figure 14). This pump is powered by solar panels, making the entire system energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The system collects and recycles water, drawing it back into a central tank that supplies fresh water to the pavilion. The use of freshwater, which can be recycled multiple times, ensures sustainability and minimizes waste. The pavilion also includes netting around its open walls. This netting serves as a protective barrier, preventing predatory birds and other animals from disturbing or harming the hives. In addition, the pavilion is designed with adaptability in mind. To accommodate varying weather conditions, we have included the option of weighted curtains (Figure 15). These curtains can be opened or closed depending on the wind speeds and weather conditions of the day, providing additional protection and comfort for the hives. This design offers a balance between natural airflow and protection from the elements, while also incorporating innovative, sustainable features. The combination of slanted floors, solar-powered water management (Figure 16), protective netting, and adjustable curtains creates a versatile and environmentally conscious solution for hive management. Reference the Appendix for further images Feasibility, Sustainability, Cost-effectiveness, and Impact Criteria How The Pavilion Addresses It Feasibility - Modular design with slanted floors and integrated drainage is easy to assemble and maintain; - Solar-powered pump system is a reliable, off-grid solution; - Adaptable curtains provide flexibility for various weather conditions. Sustainability - Solar-powered water recycling system reduces water usage and minimizes waste; - Freshwater recycling ensures the pavilion’s minimal environmental footprint; - Protective netting around the pavilion supports wildlife conservation and hive protection. Cost-Effectiveness - Solar power reduces long-term operational costs by minimizing energy dependency; - Water recycling system cuts down on water bills and waste disposal costs; - The use of durable, low-maintenance materials reduces overall upkeep costs. Impact - The pavilion promotes sustainable agricultural practices by supporting healthy hive management; - The design educates visitors about the importance of bees and creating eco-friendly solutions; - The flexibility of the design allows it to adapt to different environments and regions. Conclusion This research paper presents an innovative overwintering method adapted for hot climates, specifically focusing on preserving beehive health and productivity during extreme summer conditions. The study compares the contrasting climates of Canada and Dubai, drawing from Canadian experience with harsh winters and examining the challenges posed by the extreme heat and humidity of Dubai. Key insights reveal how climate directly impacts hive management and survival, with our Pavilion design emerging as a promising solution to counteract the damaging effects of high temperatures. By providing a cooler, more stable environment, the Pavilion helps protect hives from direct sunlight, enhances airflow, and reduces the risk of overheating, promoting healthier and more productive colonies. The paper also highlights the importance of bridging the knowledge gap between the extreme winter conditions in Canada and the scorching summer heat in Dubai. By integrating cold-weather beekeeping strategies with innovative solutions for combating heat stress, the research team has developed a method aimed at improving hive sustainability in hot climates. The Pavilion-based approach is not only technically feasible but has the potential to revolutionize hive management in regions prone to extreme heat. 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