As winter approaches, beekeepers must prepare their hives to ensure the survival and well-being of their bee colonies. Proper insulation and provisions are essential for bees to endure the cold months. This guide focuses on creating an effective moisture quilt, a candy board for nourishment, and insulating your hives to promote a healthy environment for your bees throughout winter.
Moisture Quilt
A moisture quilt is critical for reducing condensation within the hive, which can harm bees during colder months. Here’s how to create one:
### Ingredients for a Moisture Quilt:
- Wooden hive box
- Screened bottom board
- Absorbent materials (e.g., straw, cotton, or specialized quilt material)
- Inner cover
Instructions:
- Prepare your wooden hive box by ensuring it is clean and free of debris.
- Place the screened bottom board to allow airflow while protecting against pests.
- Fill the hive box with absorbent materials to wick away moisture.
- Cover the hive with an inner cover secured tightly to prevent drafts.
Candy Board
A candy board is a simple way to provide supplemental nutrition to your bees during winter when natural food sources are scarce. Here’s a straightforward method to create your candy board.
Ingredients for a Candy Board:
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Corn syrup
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine 10 cups of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of corn syrup.
- Heat slowly while stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a syrup.
- Pour the thick syrup into a shallow tray that fits in your hive and let it cool to create a solid candy board.
- Once set, place it atop the hive for the bees to access when needed.
Insulation
Insulating your hives is necessary to maintain a stable temperature and reduce energy consumption of the bees.
Ingredients for Insulation:
- Foam board or insulation blankets
- Weatherproof tarps
- Rope or bungee cords (for securing insulation)
Instructions:
- Measure your hives and cut the foam board or insulation blanket to size.
- Wrap the insulation around the hive, ensuring there are no gaps.
- Secure the insulation in place with weatherproof tarps, fastening them with rope or bungee cords.
- Check periodically throughout the winter to ensure that the insulation remains intact and effective.
Taking these measures will help your bee population thrive during the winter season. Proper preparation is crucial for their survival, and by providing shelter, food, and insulation, you are ensuring a strong start for your colony in the coming spring.
bee candy board recipe for winter
source = www.pinterest.ca
