Winter comes with its own set of challenges for beekeepers both new and experienced. You might be wondering, just how tough can winter be for a beehive? It turns out, pretty tough — it brings the highest rate of hive losses. The truth is despite all efforts and preparations, some colony losses are simply a part of the natural flow of working with bees.
However, I believe that if a beekeeper does not just rely on “fingers cross” but makes necessary preparations throughout the year, they at least considerably minimise the risk of losing their honey bees in winter. A hobbyist beekeeper like myself has only a handful of hives, and when I started I only had one precious bee colony. It would have been a heavy blow — emotional and financial — if I had not successfully overwintered my honey bees. So, what do beekeepers actually do in winter?
Here is a List of Key Things
- External inspections of their hives.
- Varroa treatment.
- Feeding honey bees when required to avoid starvation.
- Cleaning and repairing beekeeping tools and equipment.
- Reading, renewing their memberships, attending beekeepers’ meetings.
- Planning and getting ready for a new season.
Please allow me a bit of clarification for the above.
Beehive Inspections
What is involved? Visual check of a beehive. Monitoring hive entrance for build up of dead bees and blockage. Some recommend to wedge up slightly the back of the hive to make the floor slope a bit forward. I personally have never done that, but it makes sense, as long as the hive stands firmly. Another very important thing is to make sure that each hive is stable and secure. Why? Because I would never want my beehives to be blown down by high winds. And in our region we do occasionally have extremely windy weather. I strap my hives for the winter. And I always keep 2 bricks on each roof, and that seems to do the job perfectly. Honey bees “glue” their hive with propolis, and that also helps to keep it as a unit (all parts of a hive) securely. On the whole, it is a good practice to check regularly if your hives are ok, especially after a storm.
It is also quite interesting to find out at what temperature your bees fly out. That could indicate how hardy and resilient they are and could give you an idea if they are inclined to do early spring and late autumn forage gathering.
Another thing to be aware of is excess moisture in a beehive, potentially leading to mold and cold stress for the bees. Which brings a question of hive wrapping. This practice is hotly debated. In some regions, wrapping hives can help insulate against frigid temperatures. The decision to wrap would mainly depend on local climate and beekeeping practices. I have never wrapped my hives. From what I have read honey bees are not actually “afraid” of cold. It is moisture that kills them. All my hives have open mesh floors. And I keep them open (with no varroa monitoring board inside) during the whole winter. Only once I placed a solid floor for one of my hives, and it did get mold. I know now that I had not provided adequate ventilation. But it made me realise that I do prefer open mesh floors.
There is one more thing to mention: pests and predators like mice, woodpeckers, deer, and badgers, that could cause some damage to beehives. I have been fortunate to have never had issues with that but I have used mouse guards, bird guards (which are on the roofs all year round, simply because I got tired of cleaning them from pigeons’ droppings) and my hives are on solid stands in a fenced area.
All the above was mainly about external inspections. There is also one internal inspection/ manipulation that I do in winter which is connected with varroa treatment.
Varroa Mite Management and Hive Health
What is it? Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are external parasites that primarily infest honey bee colonies. These mites are small arachnids that feed on the bodily fluids of adult bees and their developing brood (immature bees). Varroa mites can have a significant impact on honey bee populations and are considered one of the most serious threats to beekeeping worldwide.
What is involved? My personal preference: oxalic acid dihydrate is dissolved in a sugar syrup and dribbled or drenched (using a syringe) over the bees between the frames in the hive.
Why? Oxalic acid is effective during a broodless period. When used according to recommended guidelines, it leaves minimal residues in honey and wax, making it a relatively safe option for treating bee colonies. It is considered environmentally friendly, as it breaks down into harmless byproducts. It is also approved for use in organic beekeeping when applied in accordance with organic standards.
Why in winter? It is practically a broodless period for a bee colony. I have always done it on a relatively warm calm day either in December or early January. I am planning on testing a new (for me) technique that should allow me to have a broodless colony in November, then I will be able to combat varroa with oxalic acid earlier.
Feeding Honey Bees in Winter
That is another question to which different beekeepers will give different answers. So far the following has worked for me well.
Honey bees do need food to survive winter. I always feed them in abundance with sugar syrup in autumn. I remove all frames with honey and pollen and store them in a cold place, and add them to my hives at the end of February – beginning of March, when honey bee colonies begin to actively develop. But I overwinter bees on frames with capped sugar syrup. While treating them against varroa, I could see that there was always a good amount of food in a hive. Also after autumn feeding you can lift (heft) slightly the back of a beehive to feel its weight. And then later do the same to compare if it feels lighter.
This year I overwinter my honey bees on a minimum number of frames: 4 and 5 (as part of testing a new technique). I treated them with oxalic acid during the first week in January (I should have done it much earlier though), and I have checked them today, on 1st February, and they are all looking good. I must admit that I always a bit worried: what if for some reason they will eat their stores quicker than I think, if the weather turns too warm, for instance, and they will become more active. So, for my peace of mind at the end of January – beginning of February I add about a pound of fondant in each hive on top of the crown board. It is a solid sugar paste that provides a slow-release source of energy for the bees. Then, a couple of weeks later I will quickly check if they are using it.
Cleaning and Repairing Beekeeping Tools and Equipment
Hygiene is important in beekeeping. It is a healthy practice and it is nice to use clean tools and suits, a tidy shed where all is in its place and at hand. There are 2 key things I could not do without:
1) a good blowtorch for flaming empty boxes, and
2) soda crystals which I use for cleaning hive tools all the year round and washing my bee suit.
Being a Part of Buzzing Community
Even Master Beekeepers often say that there is so much yet to learn and bees never cease to amaze and even surprise them. Honey bees are fascinating and complex, and beekeeping is an ever learning process.
I am a member of local beekeepers association, and the lectures and meetings that I have attended were brilliant.
There are many good books, it’s often beneficial to read a few to gain a well-rounded understanding of the subject.
Here is a short list:
- “The Beekeeper’s Handbook” by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile:
- Widely hailed as a timeless classic, this comprehensive guide delves into the fundamentals of beekeeping, encompassing hive management and disease prevention. Perfect for bee enthusiasts at all levels, it serves as an invaluable resource for beginners and intermediate beekeepers alike.
- “Beekeeping For Dummies” by Howland Blackiston:
- A standout in the renowned “For Dummies” series, this book simplifies beekeeping into easily digestible sections. Covering everything from establishing your initial hive to troubleshooting common issues, it’s an approachable guide suitable for both newcomers and those looking to deepen their understanding.
- “First Lessons in Beekeeping” by C.P. Dadant:
- Penned by a revered figure in beekeeping, this book offers practical insights tailored for beginners. It spans bee biology, hive construction, and fundamental beekeeping techniques, providing a solid foundation for novices entering the world of beekeeping.
- “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beekeeping” by Dean Stiglitz and Laurie Herboldsheimer:
- Tailored for beginners, this user-friendly guide explores various facets of beekeeping, including equipment essentials, hive management, and honey production. Its straightforward and accessible writing style makes it an ideal starting point for those new to beekeeping.
- “Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture” by Ross Conrad:
- Focused on organic and sustainable practices, this book spans hive management, disease prevention, and the significance of adopting natural beekeeping methods. It serves as a valuable resource for beekeepers aiming for environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches.
- “The Backyard Beekeeper” by Kim Flottum:
- Geared towards beginners, this comprehensive guide not only covers the basics of beekeeping but also provides practical advice on hive management, necessary equipment, and strategies for addressing common challenges. An essential read for those looking to establish and maintain their own backyard apiary.
- “The Practical Beekeeper” series by Michael Bush:
- Michael Bush’s three-volume series draws on his extensive beekeeping experience, offering practical insights into hive management, pest control, and sustainable beekeeping practices. With a wealth of knowledge, these books serve as indispensable guides for beekeepers seeking a deeper understanding of the craft.
I also read blogs and have my favourite YouTube videos, and I plan to make a few, which could help someone to start their beekeeping journey. Beekeeping is unique in the way that every beekeeper has their own approach: “Ask 7 beekeepers a question, and you will get 8 answers”. To find yours it helps to learn from each other through sharing knowledge and what has worked successfully.
Winter is a Good Season for Planning Ahead
How many hives would you like to have ideally? What would need to be acquired? What would you like to learn and master? What went wrong in the past? Why? How to prevent it in the future? Winter is just the time to think about it.
So, Beekeeping Can Be quite Engaging and Fun even in Winter
Thank you for reading, and welcome with questions and ideas!