The video shares 5 bad tips for overwintering bees that could kill the colony.
- Using a heating lamp or heating pads can give a wrong signal to the bees and mislead them into thinking it's summertime, causing them to fly out into cold weather and not make it back to the hive.
- Snow and ice can suffocate the hive and cut off airflow, so it's important to clear it away from the entrance.
- Winter critters like raccoons and mice can steal feeders and honey and even kill the colony, so it's important to use mouse guards and seal any holes or corners in the hive.
- Leaving gaping holes open in the hive is not recommended, as it can allow too much winter wind and rain in and other colonies to rob out the honey supers.
- It's recommended to take a good look around the hive in winter and seal any holes or corners with Gorilla tape or staple gun.
- Electrical wiring can be dangerous when using heating lamps or pads around the colony.
- Bees need air to oxygenate their cells, so it's important to ensure proper airflow in the hive.
Beekeeping enthusiast David Burns warns against five bad tips that could kill your bee colony during the winter. The first tip is to avoid using a heating lamp or heating pads as it can mislead the bees to believe it's summertime and fly out into the cold weather, not being able to return to the hive.
The second tip is to clear away snow and ice that can suffocate the hive and cut off all airflow, leading to the death of the colony. The third tip is to protect the hive from winter Critters like coons and mice, which can kill your colonies as well by eating honey and bees. Burns recommends installing battery-powered electric fences for bears and mouse guards for mice.
The fourth tip is to seal off all holes or corners that have broken off to prevent winter wind and rain from entering, as well as to prevent other colonies from robbing out the honey supers. The final tip is to not feed the bees protein in the winter, as it can lead to dysentery and kill the colony. Instead, feed the bees sugar water or fondant. Burns advises beekeepers to take preventive measures to keep their bee colonies safe during the winter.
Summary:
- Avoid using heat lamps or heating pads as it can mislead the bees
- Clear away snow and ice to prevent suffocation of the hive
- Protect the hive from winter Critters like coons and mice
- Seal off all holes and corners to prevent winter wind and rain from entering
- Do not feed protein to the bees in winter as it can lead to dysentery and kill the colony