How to Winter Bees

Use these guidelines to help your hive survive the winter and to prepare for spring.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bee Brushes
• Bee Smokers
• Beehive Entrances
• Beekeeper Gloves
• Brushes
• Paints
• Bee Medications

1. Open the hive and check your queen one last time before cold weather sets in.

2. Make sure the queen is not old or sick.

3. Provide a windbreak such as a building, trees, shrubs, a wall or a fence.

4. Combine the hive with a stronger colony if it is weak.

5. Make sure the upper hive has enough honey and pollen to feed the bees throughout the winter.

6. Remove the queen extruder.

7. Provide an upper entrance to the hive.

8. Add an entrance block to minimize the opening and keep mice out.

9. Medicate hives at this time for mites, Nosema and other diseases.

Tips & Warnings

• Winter is a good time to repair and paint equipment for next spring.