Bees kick out drones from the hive for several reasons, and it all comes down to the efficiency and survival of the colony. Drones, also known as male bees, have a unique role in the bee community. However, their purpose is solely focused on mating with the queen, and they do not contribute to any other tasks within the hive.
One of the main reasons why bees kick out drones is to conserve resources, particularly during the winter months. Drones do not participate in foraging, collecting nectar or pollen, or other essential tasks like building and maintaining the hive. Instead, they rely on the worker bees to provide them with food and care. This dependency can strain the hive’s resources, especially during times when food is scarce.
During the autumn season, as the temperature drops and food becomes scarce, worker bees start preparing for the long winter ahead. They collect and store honey to sustain the colony throughout the cold months when foraging is difficult or impossible. Since drones do not contribute to this honey production and storage, they become a burden on the hive’s limited resources.
To ensure the survival of the colony, worker bees make the decision to kick out the drones. They actively remove them from the hive, forcing them to leave and fend for themselves. This expulsion of drones serves to conserve the honey stores and prevent the colony from starving during the winter.
It is worth noting that the act of kicking out drones is a collective effort by the worker bees. They identify drones based on their physical characteristics, such as larger size and broader bodies, and often show aggression towards them. The workers may bite or sting the drones, making it clear that they are not welcome in the hive any longer.
The expulsion of drones is a necessary and natural process for the overall health and survival of the colony. While it may seem harsh, it ensures that precious resources are preserved for the worker bees, who play a vital role in the hive’s day-to-day operations. By prioritizing the needs of the workers over the drones, the colony increases its chances of thriving and successfully enduring the winter season.
Bees kick out drones primarily to conserve resources, particularly honey, as they prepare for the winter months. Drones do not contribute to the hive’s productivity and solely exist for the purpose of mating with the queen. By removing the drones from the hive, worker bees ensure that their limited resources are preserved for the essential tasks performed by the workers. This expulsion is a collective effort by the worker bees and is crucial for the survival and efficiency of the colony.