Should I be removing my top feeder for winter?

[TheBuzz]

They keep taking sugar in an finding pollen (prior to Sandy at least) so don't wanna deprive them of food.

Also should I get a shim to allow a top vent?

[waynesgarden]

I assume your talking about syrup. Yes, remove it for the winter. Bees won't take frozen syrup.

Wayne

[TheBuzz]

I assume your talking about syrup. Yes, remove it for the winter. Bees won't take frozen syrup.

Wayne

When do u remove food? Do I need a vent for moisture?

[waynesgarden]

When I feed, I try to have syrup off by late September or early October. (Doesn't always happen.) I use 2 gallon pails so the bees can pull down about 16 lbs of syrup quickly and have time to evaporate off excess moisture before the cold sets in.

If I have to feed late, I'll feed dry sugar on newspaper over the top of the frames.

Lots of opinions about ventilation. I've been simply using the 1/2" notch I cut in the rim of the inner covers I make but I'm going to drill an additional 3/4" in hole in the upper box for some additional air flow. As I said, there are a lot of opinions and I'll use what works for me in my area.

Wayne