Wintering bees is a very important part of bee culture in the colder parts of our country. In the Northern part of our country where long, cold, snowy winters occur, hives must be wintered indoors or protected from the cold if left outdoors.

Indoor wintering is accomplished usually by placing the hives in a well ventilated cellar, cave, or building. Plenty of honey is left in the hives for food. If the proper care is exercised the bees usually will be as strong and healthy the following spring as they were when stored away in the fall.

There are various ways to winter bees outdoors. All methods require some kind of insulation to keep the warmth in the hives and the cold out of them. Usually empty supers which are filled with straw or leaves are placed on top of the hives. Straw mats may be inserted between the roofs and the bodies of the hives. Leaves or old strips of carpet may be packed or fastened around the outside walls. Some hives are built with hollow walls in which sawdust, leaves, or other packing is placed. The important thing is to have good ventilation at the entrance, moisture absorbing material near the roof, and insulation at the sides and top of the hive.

Protection from rain is all that is needed in a climate that is warm the entire year. The bees go out on sunny days of winter the same as they do in the summer time.