What is a primary reason why drones are eliminated before winter?

Drones, the male bees in a colony, are typically eliminated before winter primarily to conserve resources. During the colder months, the hive's survival depends on the limited availability of food stores. Drones do not contribute to foraging or hive maintenance; instead, they primarily exist for mating purposes and do not play a role in the survival of the colony during winter. By removing drones, the worker bees can allocate precious resources like honey and pollen more efficiently towards the survival of the queen and the workers who will sustain the colony through the winter months. This practice is crucial as it helps ensure that the hive can maintain its population and sustain itself until warmer weather allows for foraging and brood rearing to resume.