How do bees regulate the temperature inside the hive?

Bees regulate the temperature inside the hive primarily by fanning their wings. This behavior involves worker bees using their strong wing muscles to create airflow within the hive, which helps to cool the space. When bees fan their wings, they can effectively lower the temperature, especially during hot weather, maintaining an optimal environment for brood development and overall hive health.

Additionally, this wing-fanning action helps to evaporate moisture from honey and maintain the right humidity levels, which are crucial for honey storage and preventing mold growth. While other activities, such as drinking water or building additional honeycomb, can contribute to hive conditions, they do not directly control temperature in the same immediate and effective manner that wing fanning does.