It's a Wrap

I put the bee cozy's on the hives a few weeks ago.  The black absorbs warmth from the sun really well and provides the hives with R8 insulation.  I get the wraps from NOD - the same company that makes the Mite Away strips.

As usual I left extra honey just in case we have a really long and cold winter. There's nothing worse than worrying about the bees all winter long because there's nothing you can do to help them.

In Canada once winter sets in the hives really shouldn't be opened as the lids are sealed with propolis to keep out drafts and also lifting off the lid releases all the heat.

I started with 16 hives in spring.  Lost one hive in the fall that went queenless - tried to save it but the robbing was so fierce they didn't stand a chance. I even took the hive home to reduce robbing but bees found the hive at home and robbed it there too.  That was frustrating.

I collected one swarm so ended up with 16 hives.  My plan was to not increase my count very much because they keep me very busy.

I hope your hives do well over the winter season, whether you're in a warmer climate or the cold great north!

Now's the time to think about increasing sales to pay for your equipment by dealing with the beeswax cappings you've collected.  That wax is waiting to turn into cash for you.

Stay tuned for a series of posts on some great things you can make with wax, recipes and instructions will be provided.