Winter-Proof Your Hive

A Bee Lover’s Guide to Staying Cozy

Written By: Jasmine Frink

Hey, bee lovers! Winter storms are here!! , and while we’re bundling up in our favorite sweaters and sipping on hot cocoa, our little buzzing friends need some love too. Whether you’re a full-fledged beekeeper or a backyard bee enthusiast, winterizing your hive is key to keeping your colony happy, healthy, and ready to thrive when spring blooms.

Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can be prepared (pun fully intended).

1. Know Your Bees

First things first understand your colony. Bees are pretty self-sufficient, but winter is a different game. Honeybees cluster together in their hive to keep warm, vibrating their little bodies to maintain a toasty 90-95°F inside their winter ball. They’re amazing, right? But they can’t do it all alone.

2. Check Their Food Supply

Bees need energy to survive the cold months, and that energy comes from honey. A strong colony needs about 40-60 pounds of honey stored up. Don’t panic if they’re running low! You can supplement with sugar syrup or fondant. Just make sure you’re feeding them the good stuff, not the overly processed kind.

3. Wrap It Up

Just like you layer up for a winter walk, your hive could use some insulation too. A simple bee-friendly wrap can help keep the hive warm and block those icy winds. Make sure there’s still some ventilation, though trapped moisture can be more dangerous than the cold itself.

4. Reduce the Entrance

Bees are tough, but they’re not fans of drafts. Use an entrance reducer to minimize wind and keep out unwanted guests (looking at you, mice!). It’s like giving your hive a cozy front door.

5. Keep Things Dry

Moisture is a hive’s worst enemy in winter. A simple moisture board or even some absorbent material like burlap at the top of the hive can wick away any condensation. Think of it as a dehumidifier for your buzzing buddies.

6. Snow Patrol

Snow might look pretty, but if it’s blocking the entrance to your hive, your bees can’t get fresh air. After a storm, check your hive and gently clear any snow away. Be careful not to disturb their winter nap too much!

7. Keep an Eye on Things

Even in winter, it’s good to peek in occasionally not too much, though! A quick check on sunny days to see if the hive is active and secure can make all the difference. Remember, no knocking on the hive like it’s your neighbor’s door. Let them chill (literally) in peace.

8. Plan for Spring

Winter is also a great time to prepare for what’s next. Clean your tools, stock up on supplies, and maybe even take a bee class or two. When the flowers bloom, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.

Bee Safe, Bee Warm, Bee Happy

Taking the time to winterize your hive not only protects your bees but also ensures your role as a fantastic steward of nature. So grab your gloves, get out there, and show your hive some TLC. Your buzzing buddies will thank you with a thriving colony and plenty of sweet honey come spring.

Stay warm, y’all, and keep buzzing! 🐝