Archive Special - Preparing Your Hives for Winter! (154)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Join Kim and Jim in this special archive episode from late October 2021, where they delve into the critical task of preparing your hives for the winter season. This episode is particularly crucial for beekeepers in colder climates.

Are you comfortable in shorts outdoors during this time of year? If yes, then wrapping your colonies for winter might not be a necessity. However, if a brisk step outside in shorts sends shivers down your spine, this episode is tailored for you!

Key discussions include:

1. Windbreaks: An effective, economical solution to shield your hives from harsh winds. Easy to set up and highly beneficial.

2. Insulation Options: Explore various insulation methods, including traditional tar paper, roofing, or HVAC insulation. For convenience, there are also ready-made hive wraps available in the market.

3. Insulated Hive Tops: Groundbreaking research into natural beehives in hollow cavities has led to a significant insight - insulating the top of the hive is more crucial than the sides. Replacing wooden hive covers with insulated tops can be a game-changer, offering dual benefits of keeping the hive warm in winter and cool in summer.

4. Advanced Hive Bodies: The episode also touches on innovative hive bodies made from materials like polystyrene, designed for enhanced temperature regulation.

Wind protection, moisture control, hive wrapping, and advanced hive body options are all explored. Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive guide on how to best prepare your hives for the winter season, ensuring the health and productivity of your colonies

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

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