I want it to freeze as the bees are using too many resources this late in the season.
A bit of a curse to the southern states. I really think bees are more serious about collecting nectar in the north. The long dearth of winter weeds out the weaker hives.
Could some one explain about bees using too many resources and how collecting pollen is a curse in the southern states.
It is not a situation that occurs down under or I am not aware of it.
I can only speak for my area of the 'Mid-South' Oldbeavo, along with my own personal experience. Winter bees, when not dormant spend or use resources flying in, out, and about on warmer days, while not being able to replenish the resources used outside of the hive in these endeavors during time of limbo. By nature during this time, nothing is blooming, (no resources coming in yet resources are spent trying), during the warmer winter days. (I am speaking in terms of my area).
Ace has lived in both locations, much further North and much further South than I. He has first hand experience and knowledge about this subject of these locations, unlike me.
Gathering pollen is not a curse to me in my location, 'Zone 7', bees gathering an abundant amount of pollen I welcome. It seems bees use most or all of it during the winter months (and 'early' spring), here with nothing wasted. It is necessary in the winter months in my location as part of their diet and nutrition.
There has been topics posted and discussed here at beemaster which covers this subject since I have been a member here. I do believe that food in one form or another such as nectar sub or (maybe in the form of mountain camp for another), should be made 'readily available' (especially in late winter and early spring), in case not enough honey is left for the bees winter feed, (again in my area), which amounts may vary from year to year, dependant on the weather conditions here at my location. I have reached the opinion it is best to be safe than sorry in regards of feeding both feed and 'pollen sub if necessary' during this time.