Spotlight: How Pollinators Weather the Cold
Did you know…
About 50% of native bee species emerge in early spring, while the rest overwinter in various stages.
Studies show that leaving dead stems and leaf litter can improve survival rates of overwintering pollinators by up to 30%.
Urban environments often pose a bigger challenge for winter pollinators because of heat islands and cleared yards that reduce insulated habitats.
This Month’s Feature: Pollinators over Winter
This month, we’re taking a closer look at pollinators in winter. Discover how they survive the cold, why their habitats matter even under leaves and snow, and how simple actions now can make a big difference come spring.
When we think about pollinators, we usually picture spring flowers and buzzing bees. But winter is just as important for their survival, even though most of the activity is hidden.
Many native pollinators don’t migrate or disappear in the winter. Instead, they overwinter in specific life stages that allow them to survive freezing temperatures. Some native bees spend the winter underground in small chambers where the soil acts as an insulation. Others shelter inside hollow plant stems or wood, protected from wind and extreme cold. Many insects overwinter as eggs, larvae, or pupae, slowing their metabolism until warmer temperatures return. While monarch butterflies migrate to warmer climates, many moths and other pollinators remain local, relying entirely on nearby shelter to survive the season.
This is why winter habitat matters so much. Fallen leaves, dead plant stems, brush piles, and undisturbed soil aren’t just “messy”, they create stable microhabitats that buffer temperature changes and protect our pollinators from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Removing these materials too early can expose overwintering pollinators to cold, moisture, and predators before they are ready to emerge, which would be detrimental to the already declining population.
What We Can Do This Winter to Help
You don’t need a garden to make a difference. Leaving leaves where possible, waiting until spring to cut back plant stems, and avoiding salt or chemicals near green spaces can all support overwintering pollinators. Winter is also a great time to learn about native plants and plan pollinator-friendly spaces that provide food and shelter once pollinators become active again.
Even though pollinators may seem inactive during winter, they’re still a vital part of our ecosystem. Protecting them isn’t just a springtime effort, it’s a year-round commitment. Small actions taken during the colder months help ensure pollinators are ready to return when spring arrives.
