Tips To Check Your Beehive In Winter

Beekeeping in winter is the most important factor. If you do beekeeping as an occupation or hobby, you must be aware of how to keep them safe in the different season, especially winter. Honey bees require at least 92 degrees F temperature inside the hive to survive in this season. As a beekeeper, it is important for you to give all that is required for the bee to survive in this tough situation.

What Do Honey Bees Do in Winter?

During this season, the worker honey bees guard their queen and brood against outside by keeping them warm and bees inside eat honey for energy and shake their flight muscles by keeping the wings still and increase their body temperature. Bees intake 55 to 60 pounds of honey during the winter season. But most of the unprofessional beekeepers would have yield most of the honey before the beginning of winter.

As a beekeeper, before the winter season comes in, you need to check your hive, clean, repair if there are any holes and stock all the required tools.  Ensure to keep extra bees in stock as it is possible that the older bees may vacate the colony or may die.

Let’s check-in below what measures you need to take before and during winter to keep your beehive and bees safe.

Enough Food

Just like other animals, bees require carbohydrates and protein to survive. Honey provides carbohydrates and pollen works as a protein for honey bees. As a beekeeper, you have to keep a check on food supplies depending on requirements. Honey bees need more honey and pollen to keep them warm during winter. If by any chance you feel that honey bees inside hive do not have sufficient food then you can provide them additional feeding like sugar syrup, winter patties, candy board, etc. By doing this, you can ensure that the bees will not die due to hunger.

Block the Wind And Clean Off Snow

To protect the hive from the cold wind you can place hay or stray several feet away from the hive. Make sure it is not too close and block the hive as it can clench water and provide too much moisture near the hive.  If there is a snowfall then make sure to keep the hive clean inside out so that the entrance and exit are not blocked by snow.

Strong Queen

It is very important to have a strong and young queen in the hive to strengthen the hive. Queen bees that are failing or old need to be replaced with a young queen. Solidly sealed brood is a necessity in the winter season and it can be placed only by a strong queen.

Stay Away from Mice

Mice are a danger for your hive. Always keep an eye on your hive and check regularly for the mouse nest at the bottom of the board.

Keep Your Beekeeping Equipment’s Ready

Beekeeping equipment should be clean and sterilized beforehand. Also, make sure that wooden tools are free of propolis and wax with a combination of soda and water.

Also, make sure to attend the beekeeping club meeting near you and take out time to read some good books related to this.

Make sure to follow the above-mentioned points and enjoy the amazing journey of beekeeping.