This is my first year of beekeeping and IÂ’m looking for opinions for winterizing my hives. I have 2 hives and I live in the foothills of North Carolina.

I have read articles about those who warp the hives in black paper and insulation but is this needed in my climate?

I have also read about adding grease patties to the hives to help with mite control. There isnÂ’t enough room between the inner cover and the frames, where do I put the grease patties in the hive?