That's another wrap!

Two weeks ago I put the wrap on the hives because the nights were consistantly chilly. For my two monster hives I pushed them together and put some R5 insulation all around but not in between the hives and then I wrapped it with some used tar paper. I also placed a box and shavings on top of their inner cover. These shavings should absorb any moisture that does not escape.

My monster hives(each gave 200lbs) are wrapped an ready for winter.

A few days later I also wrapped my 4 hives at my home. I used a 'bee cozy' wrap for each one and I put insulation on the inner cover. Mouse guards have been on all hives for several weeks now. A few days after putting on my last covers, this is what I woke up to! For the first time ever, I had my covers on before the first snow.

First snow with covers

 A few days later it was almost 10 deg during the day. I placed all of my syrup from cleaning up the feeders into a plastic bottom and my bees were cleaning it up.

Bees foraging on hardened syrup.

The bees are still busy during the day when it is around 10deg. But I think winter is on its way and they should enjoy their freedom while they can.

Hives with 'bee cozy' on ready for winter.

This signals the end of the season, there is nothing left for me to do but hope that my preperations will hold the bees through the winter. On clear winter days, I do take off the mouse guard and scape out the dead bees that may block the entrance.