[Michael Bush]

Early spring (late winter) is when they need the most help as they will be rearing brood and have to maintain warmer temps. I would wait until spring is well underway... but then I wouldn't wrap them in the first place...

 

[wltwine]

Thank's for the response, but I take it you don't wrap your hives....

 

[Michael Bush]

I don't.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#stopwrapping
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeswinter.htm#Wrapping

But the purpose that wrapping is supposed to serve is most important in late winter and early spring when they have brood to keep warm.

 

[wltwine]

Thanks for the info again, went to your links and they have some very useful info. I think I might take the wrap off, I was wondering it might cause the hive to sweat....thanks again

 

[sqkcrk]

I was wondering at what temp I should take off hive wraps, I wrapped my hive 2 weeks ago when we had some bitterly cold temps in our area.

You did what? In NC? I know folks in NY who never wrap their colonies. Unless you are in the mountains, I don't see why you would do this. But, if you find that it is of benefit, keep it up.

Unwrap them when you see lots of pollen coming in and a warming trend to the weather.

 

[beemandan]

Yep, you're coddling those girls. Now, if you were in Canda.....

 

[SwedeBee1970]

I've wrapped both of my hives and they're doing fine. Just seen them both flying around a bit in 43 degree weather and doing house cleaning. I used and old 40 gallon water heater wrap. It was already white and supported the top with a little duct tape and the hive top feeder. Had 'em on since November. Once temps climb into the 30's at night, I'll consider removing them.