Snow,. ice,... and beehives.

[Oldbee]

I finally got out to check on the hives after about 12 inches of snow fell during the last 2 weeks. I brushed away the snow and chipped the ice from the landing boards and used a screw driver to probe and remove the dead bees from under the mouse guards. There weren't too many. A few bees came out and then more, not too many, about 10-15/hive; some of them did not make it back I presume. A few were trying to carry out the "dead" and then.................became..."dead" themselves as they got "lost" in the ...cold snow. I tried to save a few of them but it was futile. My intent was to "open" the bottom entrance if it was blocked by snow and ice for ventillation. I also brushed the snow; about 8" from the top cover. I don't like it when the snow melts and it drips, drips on the landing board. The bees were humming good within the hive so that is a good sign;so far.

My question is; did I do something wrong by "opening" the bottom entrance? Does snow atop the hive provide a kind of "insulation". I know if you have "many" hives you probably just leave them alone during the winter. Thanks.

[Panhandle Bee man]

When I kept bees in the north, I would give top ventalation in the winter. It was just a 3/4" hole drilled into the upper hive body. This gave the bees a way into and out of the hive, usually above the snow line. I didn't have to worry about a blocked bottom board, iced over bottom board, snow covered bottom board etc.. Then I didn't worry, unless we got over 2' of snow.

Yes the snow acts as an insulator, but mainly cuts down on the wind.

[MountainCamp]

Snow on and around the hive does provide insulation.
The snow on and around my hive comes and goes with the wind and storms.
I don't worry about it.

[BigDaddyDS]

I don't think you've done anything wrong.

In fact, by opening the hive entrance, I think you're doing something right. Afterall, we've all heard the merits of hive ventilation by now. In addition, if the entrance is clogged with dead bees, the rest of them can't get out for cleansing flights.

Two additions that I'd recommend for next year: Top entrances, so snow, ice and dead bee build-ups don't hinder bee flight. They also increase ventilation. And, if they're not already, positioning your hives so they're tilted slightly toward the front. That way, if water does drip on to the landing board, it runs OUT of the hive and not in.

DS

[Dan Williamson]

I actually like it when the snow packs in around the hives. It gives them alot of insulation and some protection should a brutal cold wind pick up. An upper entrance is all that is necessary to provide the ventilation they need.

[bleta12]

Some time after a heavy snow, you can tell which one of your hives are alive and which are not.
The heat generated by the hive melts the snow around the hive, a change quite visible and quite different from the hives that are dead.

We have so far 6 inch of snow today in CT.

Gilman

[Jeffzhear]

I tend to clean the entrances of snow and any dead bees and/or debrie. I just have the itch to walk through the bee yards and do something, even in the dead of winter.:)

[Oldbee]

Thanks for replies. I do have an entrance in the top box and the hives are tilted forward; enough I hope. Also, I have a 1/2 inch layer of pink insulation under the outer cover and a 1/2 inch layer of homasote in 2 peices over the inner cover [hole, 1/3 open] inside one of those "shims" used for Mite-Away II which also has a 3/8 inch hole. Some of this is done for "experimentation". It is probably too early to worry about the bottom entrance being blocked by snow/ice. We will not have temperatures near 40 F. for quite awhile anyway. I don't think the bees would have come out if I had not disturbed them but I didn't think they would still be down there that much.

bleta12---It looks like you will be getting A LOT more snow in the near future.

[Ravenseye]

I'm visiting family in Colorado and Massachusetts just got snow. The wife said that the hives are quite snowed in. I try to clear the landing board and entrance as well so I know what I'll be doing when I get home!