Preparing Your Hives for Winter

Preparing your hives for winter does not need to be complicated. Once the main season slows down, inspect every hive and deal with small maintenance jobs before colder, wetter and windier weather arrives. Focus on stability, weather protection, sound equipment, suitable entrance protection and secure storage.

A hive is only as stable as the stand beneath it. Check wooden stands for rot, splitting or movement and metal stands for corrosion, loose fixings or damaged joints. Make sure the ground has not softened or shifted beneath the supports. The stand should keep the hive stable, level and raised away from wet ground.

Inspect the complete hive from floor to roof. Brood boxes, supers, crownboards and floors should fit together correctly and remain in sound condition. Look for cracks, rot, warped timber, loose joints, unintended gaps and other damage that could admit rain or pests. Keep the hive weatherproof without blocking deliberate ventilation.Is the roof secure and in good condition? Is the hive watertight, with no gaps, damage or loose components? Inspect the complete hive from floor to roof. Brood boxes, supers, crownboards and floors should fit together correctly and remain sound. Look for corrosion, cracks, rot, warped timber, loose joints and other damage that could admit rain or pests.

Reduce entrances appropriately for the colony and local conditions. A smaller opening can be easier for the colony to defend, while suitable guards and reducers can help protect against mice, wasps and other unwanted visitors. Check entrances throughout winter and clear dead bees, leaves, snow or debris that could obstruct them.

Strong winds can cause problems surprisingly quickly, so fitting hive straps now is a simple job that can give you peace of mind when the weather turns. Run the strap around the complete hive, keep the webbing flat and apply enough tension to hold the components together without damaging them. Take particular care not to overtighten poly hives.

Store surplus supers and other hive equipment clean, dry and securely. Separate anything requiring repair, make sure stacks are stable and protect them from rain, bees, wasps, mice and wax moth. Where equipment is stored on pallets, a fitted waterproof cover can provide a practical additional layer of protection.

Print this one-page checklist and take it with you when you inspect your apiary. It covers each of the key checks in this guide, with space to note any jobs that need completing.