Hobbies And Interests

How to Winterize Beehives

Winter is a harsh environment for survival, especially for honeybees. Since honeybees do not hibernate in the winter, adequate conditions inside the hive must be met for the colony's survival. Failure to maintain adequate conditions for the beehive could result in a weak or dead colony come springtime, which most beekeepers strive to avoid. By constructing an insulating outside structure for the hive, chances of hive survival are greatly increased.

Things You'll Need

  • UV-resistant 6-mil black plastic
  • Fiberglass insulation
  • Heating iron
  • Standard grocery pallet
  • Rope or twine
  • Plywood
  • Wood glue
  • Drill
  • Wooden work surface
  • Tape measure
  • Knife or scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct a wooden box large enough to fit the beehive in, otherwise known as a false backing. Make sure that the box is not too large, as the colony will need to keep this space warm during the winter. Place the cut wooden pieces together by using wood glue.

    • 2

      After the box is constructed, drill a small square hole in the removable top portion, as this will serve as ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture.

    • 3

      Place the beehive in the false backing before the first frost, on October 31st at the latest.

    • 4

      Lay out enough UV-resistant 6-mil black plastic to wrap around the false backing of the beehive. Cut the plastic from the roll of plastic wrap using a sharp knife or scissors. Calculate this by measuring the length and width of the backing using a tape measure.

    • 5

      Place more or less fiberglass insulation on the cut 6-mil black plastic, depending on the severity and length of the local winter season.

    • 6

      Place another sheet of 6-mil black plastic identical in length and width to the sheet underneath fiberglass on top of the insulation. Seal by using a hot iron.

    • 7

      Wrap the insulation around the false backing surrounding the beehive. Secure using twine or rope. It's better for the insulation tarp to be a little loose than too tight.


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