How long will a honey-bee nest stay around?
On One Hand: A Beehive Can ThriveA honey-bee nest or beehive can stay around as long as bees live there. “Honey bees are perennial insects with colonies that survive more than one year,” according to the University of Minnesota Extension. A hive can thrive as long as honey is available. A strong colony can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for extended periods, says the website.On the Other: Abandoned HivesSome ailments may cause honey bees to die or abandon their nests. Disease, pests or environmental factors may lead to the breakdown of a colony, and consequently, the hive. If the same type of honey bees try to move in, they will likely encounter the same fate as the past inhabitants. Also, rodents or other animals attracted to the leftover honey may destroy the hive before any bees can re-inhabit it.Bottom LineIn favorable conditions, a honey-bee nest may reproduce and thrive for years if undisturbed. If sprayed with insecticides or plagued by ailments,
