The Bee Supply Monthly

As winter approaches, many beekeepers face hive losses. With about 40-50% of hives typically dying each year, new beekeepers may experience even higher losses. However, the equipment from dead hives, including drawn-out honeycomb with honey and pollen, retains significant value for future use. 

One of the most unsettling events is to walk up to your hive and see dead bees or pupae littering the entrance or the ground underneath the hive. In some situations, this can be normal, while in others it’s a very sad result due to a number of factors.

Winter is often a worrisome time for beekeepers. Each new cold front makes us wonder if our bees have enough food, if they are warm enough, if there are enough bees in our hives, what else we can do to help them—and the list goes on.

Moving beehives can be challenging but is sometimes necessary. There are three main scenarios: moving a hive a few feet for maintenance, relocating it 100 feet away, or moving it over half a mile. Watch as Blake shows us the simple steps needed to move bees successfully.

Do you have a hive or hives that have ended up in the wrong place? It could be that they are in too much shade and some afternoon sun would be helpful during the cold winter months. Taking advantage of this cooler weather can actually be a huge benefit to both you and the bees you are moving!

For most of us, cold weather is inevitable at some point over winter. If you are concerned about what to do for your bees when cold weather is coming rest assured, even if snow is being predicted, bees tend to handle cold weather quite well. If a cold front moves in with a rapid drop in temperatures, there is nothing at all you need to do for your bees beyond some minor comfort measures.