[LearningtheRopes]

Hello all,
I started Beekeping when I was about 13, and kept bees until I was 18....then joined the Miliatary and 30 years later I am getting back into it. Back then there weren't any problems with the HoneyBees disappearing, but I did it just for the interest. Now I am still very interested, and looking forward to getting as knowledgable as I can. I have had 1-3 Hives for the past three years but can't get them to over-winter...in Maryland? I grew up in Western PA, in the 70s and our winters were much worse than today... so I am thinking I am doing something wrong. Hopefully with all the Expiriance here I can figure it out and get back to long term Beekeeping. I have already been reintroduced to SHB....:scratch: but that has caused me to learn about controlling pests as well..... next year will be better!

 

[snl]

Hi & welcome! From Md. myself (Catonsville)....now a transplant to SC.

I had no problems overwintering there when I lived in MD.

Two of the biggest causes of wintertime loss are starvation and mites....... do you do mite counts? You want your bees going into winter basically mite free.

http://www.honeybeesuite.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cfans_asset_317466.pdf

Larry

 

[Rader Sidetrack]

Welcome to Beesource!

Something else to consider regarding overwintering bees is condensation inside the hive. Bees can handle cold much better if they are not wet. If you are wrapping/insulating hives without considering how internal hive water vapor will escape, your bees likely would be better off with no insulation at all.

 

[bbruff22]

Welcome LTR, and thanks for your service!

 

[AmericasBeekeeper]

Welcome LTR!

 

[GaryG74]

Welcome to BeeSource!