Winterizing the Hives

We winterized the hives this weekend.  We should have done it on Saturday but instead we did it Sunday.  It snowed about 2 inches.  Here is a picture of the bee yard in the morning.

October 20 - Bee Yard

We also installed mouse guards.  These are to keep the mice from getting in the hive.  They like to go in the hive because the bees keep it warm and it has honey in it.  There are holes in the guard that are small enough for the bees to get through but the mice can't fit.

Installed Mouse Guard

The moisture board is for soaking up moisture.  In the winter the bees make heat and cause condensation to happen.  The moisture board keeps water from dripping on the bees and freezing them.

Moisture Board Added

The winter wrap is like winter jacket for the beehive.  It is black because it absorbs heat better from the sun.  It also helps keep the wind from freezing the bees.  

Installing the winter wrap

Now we wait until February to check on them again.  Hopefully they can make it through the winter on the honey they have stored up.