Thermal management for enhanced honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) survival and productivity under arid climate stress

Abstract

Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies are increasingly exposed to climate-driven thermal extremes in arid regions such as Egypt. This two-year study (2024–2025) compared one programmable temperature-controlled (TC) hive equipped with ceramic heating for winter and dual fans for summer with one standard control (SC) hive, and the results were interpreted as proof-of-concept. The results showed that thermal regulation during winter improved colony performance. So, foraging activity in the TC hive averaged 301 bees compared to 93 bees in the SC hive. Feed consumption reached 90% in the TC Hive versus 24% in the SC Hive. Brood development increased more than five times in the TC hive (1250 cm² vs. 230 cm²), accompanied by a higher honey yield (1146 g vs. 410 g). Winter mortality was reduced in the TC hive (21 vs. 234 dead bees), and colony aggressiveness declined (3 vs. 24 stings). In summer, fan-based ventilation reduced internal temperatures by only 1–2 °C below ambient temperatures exceeding 40 °C. Consequently, differences between TC and SC hives were minimal across all measured parameters. These findings confirm that winter heating enhances colony resilience, whereas fan-only cooling is insufficient. Future systems should integrate evaporative cooling, thermoelectric modules, or solar-powered chillers.