Winterizing Hives

We've had a week of unseasonably warm temperatures.

An occasional frigid night reminds us, though,

that winter is just around the corner.

And this reminder means that time is running out for

finishing Autumn's chore list.

The last of the extra chores on Autumn's list 

was to winterize the beehives.

My daughter Jenn and I worked this week

to get all of our precious little pollinators

tucked in for the winter.

Not everyone covers their hives for the winter.

I do,

because I always have,

and for the most part

my bees seem to overwinter quite well.

I wrap each hive with a layer of tar paper

(roofing paper) to keep out the harsh winter winds.

Food is the most important component of overwintering.

If the bees have enough food,

they will have enough energy to keep warm.

I allow for a good store of honey when harvesting...

that is, I leave plenty behind for their consumption.

I augment their honey supply with hive-top feeders filled 

with sugar water.

Jenn, adding sugar water.

Before the weather gets terribly cold,

they have a source of sugar water available....

saving their precious honey for colder temperatures,

when venturing up to the sugar feeder is more dangerous.

I am happy to report that we suffered no stings this week!

All I can say is this...

If you are planning to try beekeeping,

these suits are essential!