wrapping a hive

[neal/cheryl]

at what temp would you put the wrap on the hive
and do you take out your screen bottom board or leave it

[kevinva]

I'm in MN and wait until after November 1st when the average daily temp is 45 degrees or less. I removed the screened board but not sure if you have to or not.

[Skinner Apiaries]

How much time do you gain with wrapping? Or is it really just survival insurance?

[Michael Bush]

I don't.

[Cedar Hill]

I wrap mine anytime after Nov. 15 I slide in the debris catcher under the screen of the screened hive bottom but leave an inch opening in the front of it. I flip my inner cover so that the larger space is facing the bees during the winter - allows them an easier passage over the frames. The front half moon slot is also facing the top edge of the super or I raise one front corner with a large screw or carpet tack. The bottom one inch opening (debris catcher) allows for air passage and water to drain in case of any condensation from the inner cover. I raise the rear of the hive so that it is tilting forward. Then I wrap with 15 lb tarpaper (have used the same pieces for 4 years). I use small pieces of lathe and nail them in every year. I also nail a piece of lathe with an opening cut into it over the mouse screen. Over my fifty years of beekeeping, I have found that in myarea wrapping makes a difference to their survival. Each area carries its own weather conditions. OMTCW