Fall Hive Prep 2023

Brief overview of my hive prepping going into winter. November 2023, south central Ohio. I added a feeding shim, 6 mil clear poly sheeting and 2" insulation board. No upper entrance. Mouse guards are on and any hive with a screen bottom board has the insert installed.
Filmed entirely on our farm in Adams County, Ohio with a Motorola Z4.
Video compiled with Shotcut.
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[@philipmontgomery5626]

Good video.

[@tonywestsbees6042]

Thanks

[@CastleHives]

After this is all done, it is monitor until Spring. Good stuff Tony.

[@tonywestsbees6042]

Yes. I have a few hives I need to drop fondant on but otherwise they look good. Big check on them all in January.

[@glennsnaturalhoney4571]

Instead of the plastic I use the double bubble/reflectex insulation per Fred Dunn. Leave on all year.

[@tonywestsbees6042]

Reflectex works well. The 2" polystyrene add additional insulation. Any top insulation is a plus summer and winter. Thanks for watching.

[@glennsnaturalhoney4571]

@tonywestsbees6042 I'm trying some of the hive hugger crown tops, R32 in place of insulation and top cover. A little pricy but one piece instead of 2 or 3.

[@gyork1849]

What's your reasoning on adding the plastic before the insulation? Is it just to keep the insulation free of comb and propolis?

[@glennsnaturalhoney4571]

Bees will chew holes in polystyrene.

[@tonywestsbees6042]

The polystyrene sticks so well to the propolis it will tear apart and the bees will chew on it unless it is painted heavily. I can also pop the top and polystyrene off and see thru the plastic before pealing it back.