Winterize hives before cold weather arrives

Prepare hives in late fall by insulating, managing ventilation, and protecting against wind and pests. Colonies that are properly winterized retain heat more efficiently and avoid the moisture buildup that kills more colonies than cold itself.

Steps

1. Reduce the entrance to a 1-inch (2.5 cm) opening using an entrance reducer or mouse guard to block rodents and limit cold drafts
2. Add upper insulation such as a moisture quilt or 2-inch rigid foam board above the inner cover to absorb rising moisture and prevent condensation from dripping onto the cluster
3. Wrap hives with tar paper or commercial hive wraps in regions where winter temperatures regularly drop below -10°C (14°F)
4. Ensure upper ventilation by propping the inner cover slightly or drilling a small vent hole near the top to let moist air escape without creating a cold draft on the cluster
5. Provide a windbreak using fencing, straw bales, or natural terrain so prevailing winds do not hit hive entrances directly

Tips

• Moisture, not cold, is the primary winter killer -- condensation dripping on the cluster chills bees rapidly
• Complete all winterizing by mid-October in northern climates, before the first hard frost
• Tilt hives slightly forward so any internal condensation drains out the entrance rather than pooling on the bottom board