What happens to the number of worker bees as the seasons change into fall and winter?

As the seasons transition into fall and winter, the number of worker bees in a colony typically decreases. In preparation for the colder months, bees enter a stage of reduced activity. The queen reduces her egg-laying, leading to fewer new workers being born. Additionally, older worker bees have a limited lifespan, and many die off as they age. During the fall, bees are focused on conservation and preparation for winter, which includes reducing their population to what the colony can sustain in a dormant state. This winter cluster behavior also means that resources are conserved, as fewer bees are required for maintaining the hive and caring for the queen and any remaining brood. Therefore, the natural cycle of the bee colony incorporates a decrease in the number of worker bees as winter approaches.