10-18-2021 Planning Commission Packet

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Protecting Colonies from Winter Weather • • Provide protection for winter by early to mid November or when daytime temperatures average below 45°F. • Position the entrance reducer using the larger opening facing up from the bottom board. This helps prevent mice from getting in and prevents the entrance from being blocked when bees die and fall to the bottom board. • Plug the bottom 1" hole in the bottom two deep boxes with corks, but leave the hole in the top box open for ventilation and as a winter exit for the bees to take cleansing flights. • Place a moisture board over the inner cover. The board allows moisture to escape from the hive during winter, preventing moisture from collecting in the hive and above the bees. Bees produce water while clustering, which can freeze. When temperatures rise, the thawed water can drip onto the bees, possibly killing them. The moisture board also provides for dead air space on top of the colony. • Place a winter carton over the hive, wrap in tar paper, or use an insulated wrap (Figure 41). If using a winter carton, fold one of the flaps to the inside or cut it off to allow air to flow over the moisture board. Black wraps absorb heat from the sun. • Place the telescoping outer cover on top of the winter cover. The telescoping cover should not sit snugly over the winter carton; rather, let it sit loosely on top to allow moisture that is produced by the colony to evaporate out of the hive. Place a rock or brick on the top to ensure the telescoping cover does not blow off. • Cut a hole in the winter carton or tar paper that is aligned with the 1" hole which will act as the upper entrance. A purchased winter wrap, like a Cozy wrap, will already have a gap at the front allowing bees to exit. • A hive stand that encloses the perimeter of the bottom board provides dead air space under the hive that acts as insulation; this is desirable in all seasons. • Protection from prevailing winds, good air drainage and full sunlight will help ensure successful wintering. Good thing you chose an excellent apiary location (Figure 42). • Heavy insulation is recommended for colonies in areas with very cold winters that reach -30°F. Per Canadian research, use a material with R11 on the sides of the colony and a material with R22 on the top of the colony (Hive and the Honey Bee 2015 version's chapter on "Wintering Management of Honey Bee Colonies," Joe Graham (ed.)). See the posters Wrapping Honey Bee Colony for a Northern winter on Z.umn.edu/FreeBee for helpful visuals. Figure 41.Well protected wintered Figure 42. Ideal winter apiary site. colonies(photo by Brooke Nikkila) ^, ►r" v • +4 '� ° 41. )1144 • Apt.. a, s r. Beekeeping in Northern Climates 51