How do bees maintain hive temperature during summer?

Bees maintain hive temperature during summer primarily through a process that involves fanning their wings and bringing in water to evaporate. When temperatures rise, bees actively fan their wings to create airflow within the hive. This air circulation helps to disperse heat and regulate the internal temperature of the hive. Additionally, bees collect water and bring it back to the hive, where they spread it across surfaces. The evaporation of this water also cools the air within the hive, much like how sweating cools the body.

This method is crucial for the health of the colony, as too much heat can stress the bees and impact the development of brood and the storage of honey. The combination of fanning and water evaporation is a highly effective cooling strategy that enhances the hive's ability to cope with high summer temperatures.