What’s happening now
In January, your colony is fully clustered, conserving heat and living entirely off stored honey. Bees generate warmth by vibrating their wing muscles while rotating positions so no single bee stays on the cold exterior too long. This natural system works exceptionally well—if the hive stays dry and well-fed.
What to do (and not do)
Do not open the hive. Opening releases heat and forces bees to burn energy they can’t easily replace. Instead, check food stores by gently lifting the back of the hive. If it feels light, add solid winter feed directly above the cluster.
Moisture control matters more than insulation. Condensation dripping onto the cluster can kill bees faster than cold air. A slightly tilted hive, proper ventilation, and a solid outer cover with a drip edge are critical.