How Do Beekeepers Keep Bees Alive In Winter?

Winter can be a challenging time for beekeepers, whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out. The cold weather can be particularly tough on bee colonies, making it crucial to take the right steps to ensure their survival. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate beekeeping in winter successfully:

What should you do to keep your bees alive?

Ensure a Strong Queen and Healthy Brood

A robust queen and a healthy brood are vital for a hive’s winter survival. Before winter sets in, inspect your hive. If you notice a weak brood pattern or can’t find the queen, consider requeening or merging the hive with another. When requeening, keep the old queen until the new one is accepted and laying eggs. Merge weaker colonies with stronger ones for better chances of survival.

Wrap Your Hives

Wrapping your hives is essential to provide warmth and proper ventilation. Tarpaper is an effective material for wrapping hives, ensuring bees have the warmth they need while allowing for proper airflow. Check that the hive entrances are adequately sized for ventilation. There are commercial hive wrappings available.

Limit Hive Inspections

Avoid disturbing the bees by refraining from frequent hive inspections during winter. Cold temperatures can harm the bees, so only check on them as a last resort. Trust the preparations you’ve made earlier in the year and allow the bees to manage themselves through the winter months.

Monitor Hive Weight

Regularly check the weight of each hive to gauge their honey reserves. Ideally, hives should weigh over 70 pounds (32 kilograms) to sustain bees through winter. Lighter hives should be marked for priority feeding after winter ends to ensure their survival.

Prepare and Store Equipment

Clean and store your beekeeping tools properly before winter. Ensure wooden tools are free of propolis and wax by using a mixture of water and washing soda. Sterilize brood combs and air out frames and boxes to prevent pest infestations.

Organize Supplies

Make a list of all beekeeping tools and equipment, and restock any essentials well before winter arrives. Consider ordering supplies online if necessary, anticipating potential delays due to high demand during the spring season. Ensure all equipment is ready for use before winter sets in.

Order Bees Early

If you need to replenish your bee supply, place orders well in advance, especially during the non-winter months to avoid shortages. Be prepared for delays in bee shipments during the spring rush.

Collect Excess Honey and Beeswax

Collect any surplus honey and beeswax for personal use or to sell to others who may find them beneficial.

By following these tips diligently, you can enhance your beekeeping practices and ensure a smoother winter season for your hives. Incorporating these strategies will not only improve your preparations but also enrich your overall beekeeping experience.