Fall Beekeeping

The bees have given us honey 

and now its time to get them ready for winter.

Many things can kill a hive over winter.

Parasites, cold, damp conditions and even starvation.

I mixed up a sugar syrup and added a medication to prevent nosema,

a winter parasite.

 Each hive got a feeder full of the medicated syrup

on a warm Autumn day.

I also added an insulated cover.

Didn't have time to paint it.

The hive produces moisture as it generates heat to stay warm over the winter.

  The warm air rises and then condenses on the cold ceiling,

 dripping back down on the bees, stressing and killing them.

This winter cover has a piece of styrofoam in it to insulate the top.

In addition, I placed a board under one side of the hive to tip it slightly, 

allowing the moisture to run down the side instead of dripping on the bees.

 An entrance reducer is used, 

taking the entrance from this,

 to this.  

It keeps mice out of the hive

 and reduces the amount of cold air coming in.

Each hive has at least a full super (box) of honey to feed it over ther winter.

Around December 1st, I will wrap the hive in black roofing paper

 to help keep out drafts and absorb the winter sun.

Fingers crossed our bees survive the winter.