Winter poses significant challenges for honeybee colonies, and proper preparation can mean the difference between a thriving hive come spring and devastating losses. New beekeepers often feel overwhelmed by winter prep, but following these seven fundamental steps will give your bees their best chance at surviving the cold months ahead.
1. Insulate the Hive
Cold temperatures stress bee colonies, forcing them to consume more honey for energy. Adding insulation around your hive helps maintain stable internal temperatures and reduces the workload on your bees. Wrap the hive with tar paper or specialized hive wraps, leaving the entrance and top ventilation areas uncovered.
Many beekeepers also place foam boards or rigid insulation on the sides and back of the hive. Well-insulated hives consume less honey during winter compared to uninsulated ones.
2. Check Food Stores
A typical colony needs 40 to 60 pounds of honey to survive winter in most climates. Lift the hive boxes to assess their weight—a heavy deep box indicates adequate honey stores. If your hive feels light, supplement with sugar syrup in early fall.
You can also provide fondant later in the season when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Never feed liquid syrup when temperatures consistently stay below this threshold, as bees cannot properly evaporate the excess moisture.
3. Reduce Entrance Size
Smaller entrances help bees defend their hive more effectively against robbing and reduce heat loss during cold snaps. Install entrance reducers or use hardware cloth to create a smaller opening about the size of a pencil. This modification also prevents mice from entering the hive, where they can damage the comb and disturb the cluster.
4. Monitor for Moisture
Excess moisture kills more colonies than cold temperatures. When warm, humid air from the bee cluster rises and hits cold hive walls, condensation forms and drips back onto the bees. Place absorbent materials, such as burlap or specialized moisture quilts, above the top frames.
Proper hive ventilation is important for maintaining moisture control. Make sure you allow some airflow through the top of the hive while keeping the entrance restricted.
5. Protect From Pests
Varroa mites weaken colonies before winter, making bees more susceptible to viruses and other diseases. Treat for mites in late summer or early fall using approved methods, such as formic acid strips or thymol-based treatments. Also, inspect for signs of small hive beetles and take appropriate measures if the populations appear to be high.
6. Provide Proper Ventilation
While you want to reduce drafts, completely sealing a hive creates dangerous moisture buildup. Create a small ventilation hole in the upper hive body or tilt the outer cover slightly to allow moisture to escape. Some beekeepers drill a small hole in the upper deep box, while others prefer screened inner covers.
7. Consider Wind Protection
Position hives to face southeast when possible, avoiding areas with strong prevailing winds. Construct windbreaks using hay bales, fencing, or natural barriers like hedgerows. Even a simple tarp stretched between posts can significantly reduce wind chill effects on your colonies.
Start implementing these winter beehive preparation strategies now, and your bees will thank you when spring arrives. Join our beekeeping community forum to share your experiences and get personalized advice from seasoned beekeepers in your area.
