Winter looks different for each and every one of us. Some are deep in snow trenches and others are finally getting outside.
Earl Hoffman
December 21st at 10:59 AM EST is Winter Solstice the beginning of Winter
Which means we will receive less than seven hours of day light
Hopefully you followed the Axiom “Take you losses in the Fall”
The creation of Winter Bees happened during late Summer and Early Fall
The hives that did not successfully create pounds of Winter bees will expire during the Month of December, No Winter bees, No heater bees!
During this time, the Queen will stop laying eggs and the hive and combs will go broodless. It is a time of transition.
My suggestion is to monitor the number of hives that are still alive and active each month, even during the Winter period.
When there is fresh fallen snow, look for hives that are strong enough to carry out the dead. If you see lots of dead bees on top of the fresh snow, this is a great sign that the hive is strong and active. Feed these bees if possible.
Only feed dry sugar bricks or soft fondant candy using a feeder shim on top.
Make sure that during a January thaw period, that the bees have an upper entrance, for cleansing flights. Do not block the upper entrance.
If you do detect a dead out hive in your bee yard, determine if there is a full honey super on top of the hive. If so, consider moving the full super of honey, from the dead hive and give this honey super to a hive that is active and full of bees.
It’s okay to be Robin Hood in Winter, steal from the dead rich and give to the poor.
