I WAS WRONG (Better Beehive Winterization!)

I have believed in insulating beehives for winter since I started beekeeping in 2016, but I was doing it wrong. I now believe that upper entrances are a bad idea, Vivaldi Boards are not appropriate for my climate and full, air-sealed insulation is the best system for insulating beehives for winter. I know bees can "survive" in a regular box, but I don't want my bees to just survive... I want them to not have to worry about heating and cooling the hive and just focus on brood rearing and foraging. I want my bees to THRIVE. Four season insulation is the answer for me.
WILLIAM HESBACH Article
www.beeculture.com/winter-man...
ETIENNE TARDIF KZbin
/ @etiennetardif6552
00:00 - My Old Setup Sort of Worked
01:47 - "COLD DOESN'T KILL BEES" is garbage.
03:01 - "MOISTURE KILLS BEES" inspired my old setup.
04:11 - How I used to solve the moisture "problem"
05:44 - BETTER SOLUTION to the MOISTURE "problem"
07:00 - Why My Old Setup Was Wrong
08:00 - My New Thinking on Insulation
09:00 - The Construction of my NEW HIVES
10:36 - Prepping For Winter - NEW HIVES
13:48 - That Big Box On Top?
15:29 - Winterization Tips I Use For MY BEES
15:57 - LINKS
16:53 - BROODMINDER Sensors
17:40 - NEW WINTER PRACTICES
20:51 - What's THE POINT?
We also post on INSTAGRAM: / vinofarm​
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL...
FIND GEAR WE USE IN OUR AMAZON STORE!
www.amazon.com/shop/vinofarm?...
--------------
These are products I use and recommend. If you buy something using these links, I receive a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
--------------
BEE GEAR I USE:
-----------------------
I GOT A NEW HAT!: amzn.to/3uCBp6T
MY SQUARE VEIL - amzn.to/2m6mwYK​
AWESOME MOUSE GUARDS - amzn.to/3eRKlR8
QUEEN MARKING PENS: amzn.to/2WMk3Us​
BEAR FENCE CHARGER: amzn.to/2IduxIt​
MARKAL PAINT STICKS - amzn.to/2TG55A8​
CAMERA GEAR I USE:
--------------------------
MAIN SHOOTER: amzn.to/2WHL3Eu​
MAIN LENS: amzn.to/2WQV8iF​
SECOND SHOOTER: amzn.to/2ayC2Zs​
SECOND LENS: amzn.to/2IaKbo1​
ACTION CAMERA: amzn.to/2Ifu5cw​
MICROPHONE: amzn.to/2FSMTvs​

[@etiennetardif6552]

The thing with insulation, is either going all out or dont it at all. Half measures create condensation. Do you want bees to survive via the cluster (then protect them from wind and direct climatic events/allow for solar radiation to allow bees to move into honey on warm sunny winter days or fully insulate and choose where condensation will occur for those extreme events and allow the enclosure to drive overwintering and natural ventilation.

[@vinofarm]

I wanted to say something like this in the video but it was getting very long and I just focused on what I was doing to my hives. But this is a great point. If you’re going to insulate, go all the way. That’s my overall message in the video but you say it more concisely.

[@RedPandaLesbian]

I've said it before but your dedication to improvement, innovation, listening, learning, teaching, and evolving is so inspiring. We thank you and I'm sure your bees thank you as well! Keep doing your best ✨

[@keithpearce6985]

Yes, yes and yes! My thoughts exactly. Thank goodness for the “Jims” of the world for helping throw out the age old answer to the age old question of “Why do beekeepers do that? “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Not anymore. Keep on beekeeping on.

[@noahriding5780]

That is the road to growing also to just keep trying to upgrade, evolve, listen, educate self, etc. I agree. And I think everyone goes through this. We're lucky actually to have to learn it in bits at a time.

[@donaldgulledge729]

You were never wrong, you were learning. You have been experimenting using logical and well researched hypothesis, and then adjusting based on results. If I had to guess, your not done learning yet and you will yet make more changes - which of course does not mean you should call yourself wrong once you do. Great job and most importantly THANK YOU for sharing your learning journey. I live in southern Idaho and don't have nearly the winter you do. I am just starting my bee keeping journey with plans to build my hive equipment this winter for populating next spring. I have seen tons of beekeeping videos, books, and examples and finished the Beekeeping course at MSU online. Bar far I have learned more about the actual bee hive environment from your channel and absolutely love the data you have been able to gather with the in hive monitoring. Despite not having your winters, I am going to try to build my first hives using a majority of your new bee barn construction techniques. I think it will pay off in our hotter than normal summers and as you say - why not give them all the advantages you can in efficiency. After all in nature these organisms are choosing thick insulated tree trunks or structures with nearly zero air flow, tiny entrances. Your system has the advantages of a Langstroth system for ease of inspection and harvest and ads simply the security and environmental control of a natural hive. It is probably overkill for my area of Idaho, but I don't think it will be negative in anyway other than cost and effort and my guess is that your Bee Barns actually have another attribute you have not mentioned - I think your equipment is going to last a lot longer than would a standard Langstroth hive going through seasonal exposure to the elements - rain, sun, cold, hot, wind etc. Would like to know as you get down the road if you notice less replacement costs.

[@chrismead6889]

I’m here at

[@JohnDavidDunlap]

I'm willing to bet that everyone who speaks out against insulation is doing so from within an insulated building.

[@vinofarm]

Exactly.

[@julieenslow5915]

We even insulate our buildings in Florida. Jim is right: insulation works equally on cold temps and hot temps.

[@biye9060]

wild honey bees live in trees that are insulated with one entry

[@julieenslow5915]

@@biye9060 Mostly, yes. But if it has more they just handle it. Sometimes they close it off.

[@biye9060]

@@julieenslow5915 thanks for the info!

[@breanna8763]

I'm not even a beekeeper but I've learned a lot of tips and tricks for my imaginary beehive winterization 😝

[@thifasmom]

As I have watched your winterizing solutions evolved the years, it has struck me that with each upgrade or redesign your creations resembled more and more what a hollowed out dead or sometimes living tree provides for wild hives, I'm intrigued to see what spring reveals, good luck👍

[@vinofarm]

A hollow tree was the exact inspiration for this design.

[@bigben567s4]

I was thinking the same thing while watching this video.

[@Dennis-vr1ri]

Bingo... watch them in the wild and they do just fine in a tree .If bees or anything else didn't already know how to exist in nature they would be extinct. Good luck in the future with your bee's 👍🏻

[@sylvanfireswan]

Jim you have always started with “what do the bees want?” Then you designed according to what you observed them and nature “informing you” - it hits home - deeply - I now have 6 bee barns - I feel sad that I didn’t get the woodworking help and resources to get bee barns built for all of my 14 colonies because I can almost hear the bees “left out” begging

[@chrishumphreys9363]

You took the words right out of my mouth. I've been told for years...Ventilation, Ventilation,Ventilation. Last year I had hives that didn't play by these rule. Every vent hole i gave them, they propolised shut, they shut it all down and they come out of winter very strong, resulting in a great crop of honey. A friend, his son and myself are working on a type of insulation can stay on all year. Early prototypes and testing is looking good. the real tests starts this winter. Once again another great video. Keep em coming. Thank you.

[@mandog2142]

Jim, the past few years of following your channel has been quite the journey. Your transition through each year and particularly this year has been amazing both from watching you as a person handle adversity but also the adaptation and perseverance in beekeeping. I've learned a lot from watching your channel and all I can say is, keep on keeping on! Thanks!

[@CastleHives]

Haha, I like that you started with "Before you go to the comments", take care of the keyboard warriors. I plan to use a few of the Govee sensors i have on a few different setups this Winter. One in a Poly hive, One in a Horizontal, One in a Lang not wrapped, and One in a Lang that is wrapped and compare the data come Spring. I like the ease at which you can now prep your hives. Look forward to seeing the data from the Winter. Thanks for sharing Jim. And come on Winter so I can see the build series. . LOL

[@BESHYSBEES]

Everyone’s scenario is different it’s what works for you, Hello Brian I look forward to your results too

[@scarletfey]

I think it's awesome that you're not just prioritising the bees health but also your health. The simple winter prep will really save your back!

[@GraeMatterz]

Jim, I don't keep bees (I'm an old lady who rents and the landlord doesn't allow) but have been vicariously via watching your channel and have enjoyed watching your journey. I think your bee barn/insulation system is well thought out. I understand your passion for detail as I'm that way too, to the point I've been accused of "over-thinking", "obsessive" or "micromanaging" by those who I think prefer to half-ass their way through life. Keep doing what you are doing, using what works and changing what doesn't. Bee well!

[@hollyabair]

If you want to keep bees and your home doesn't allow for it, talk to local farmers and orchard owners. They are usually more than happy to accommodate bees on their farm for pollination purposes, especially bees that they don't need to do any work on whatsoever! I have even heard of a few instances of orchards paying beekeepers to keep their bees on their property.

[@rossmillard9804]

YES, YES, YES, I'm a residential designer and I am constantly forced to read articles on the incredibly boring world of insulation technology. I'm new to beekeeping and have been studying hive design for a year now. I never understood the upper hive entrance. Cold air meeting warm moist air is how rain forms. It's raining in your hives. Now bees need water so some cool air is good. Just have it below them. I do have a few very minor tweaks/suggestions. I'll email you Jim.

[@Vektorix28205]

Love that you answered my question about the top insulation being angled and mitered before I could ask it! I can't wait for March to see the results of how this all worked out.

[@robinb1451]

I'm with you 100% Jim, I started this year so it will be my first winter and as a biology college major I do my research believing the bees know what's best for them and believe (like you) that insulation all around and no upper entrance is the way to go 😉 (and not just for winter). As Im in Zone 6 with not so drastic winters I'm going to add a heater box under my two hives just to give them a low heat buffer underneath - my thinking is the bees will be "semi conscious" and not tightly clustered so they can use all there reserve resources not just ones immediately above them. And I am following Etienne as he was on Kamen Reynolds channel recently, his science on Yukon winter management is very compelling. I just love how KZbin channels like all of you make this journey so much more enjoyable than me doing trial and error! Here's hoping we are right! Thanks again for all of your work, much appreciated 👍

[@Rinahugo]

One thing you could teach people with less insulation, tilt the hive 3 degrees to the front year round. Any liquid water on the top cover will flow to the front and down and out the hive. Also, the bee will appreciate the help of gravity to remove debris out the entrance. Your hive is so insulated, you might not need to tilt your hive but it might help the bee. I used a Solution bee HM-6 scale last winter and 1 1/2" insulation and no top entrance. The hive keep a steady temperature all winter. WIFI download everyday. This year I am using 2" feeding shim above the top frames. I have purchased Hive Alive Fondant to fight Nosema during the winter. Nosema goes crazy during the winter. You place the packet directly on the top frames with a square hole in package. Also, I will be placing two to three pounds sugar mush on top of the top frame. I also feed two teaspoon of Hive Alive in every gallon of syrup during the summer and fall. Just a side note. I am the guy who comment "Why build a chimney in your hive when bees in trees never have top and bottom entrance(chimney). Your reply was "When I start raising bee in trees I will be concerned". I am so happy you saw the light and your bee keeping has been raised to a higher level. You are genus when it comes to wood working. Your hive will sell for a premium. Shipping weight might be a problem.

[@cascastro]

I’m a non-beekeeper, but I’m fascinated by the beekeeping process and I have to say that everything you have done for your bees seems like common sense to me. As you say, at the end of the day, you want your bees to thrive, not just survive. Well done 👍🏻

[@talanbryant2508]

This video has really sent me down a rabbit hole of research. I love the concept and can’t wait to see what your results are. Good luck and I hope it works out!

[@moseskimani4525]

🇰🇪 Greetings from Kenya! 🇰🇪 As with all your other videos, I've been inspired by how much thought you put into the process, how you learn from nature, and how you innovate to apply those lessons to your every-day beekeeping. To the best of my knowledge, what you have done mimics most closely the life of the wild bees who make their home in tree logs, with only a small entrance which also serves as an air hole. The difference is that you still have all the advantages of the Langstroth hive. Just so you know, watching the videos that you released last spring (in which you introduced your new hives) helped cement my resolve to redesign my hives for our climate here. We don't get winter in Kenya but the semi-arid conditions in the area where our bees are located mean that they experience lots of heat in the daytime and lots of cold in the night. As such, our bees are constantly dealing with temperature management. You opened my eyes to that reality. Thanks to you, insulation is core to the redesigning process that I'm working on. I'm confident your bees will have the best winter yet. I also get the feeling that you'll be tweaking with your hives some more, so I'll keep checking in. Cheers!

[@vinofarm]

Mimicking a tree is exactly the goal. Thank you! Best of luck with your bees.

[@SufficientlyScott]

Great video! When you said on Instagram that you were changing your winterization method I was a little nervous, but this makes a ton of sense and lines up with what i was going to do anyway, except closing the top entrance. I'm a little nervous about moisture, but our average humidity in the winter is only about 15% and I like your (researched) logic, so....here's hoping. Good luck to your bees over the winter!

[@justwinks1553]

I've been following since you started. I can't tell you how amazed I am, at how you are challenging the status quo. I am here for it. I don't have my first Hive yet. But I have been researching for a few years now. Can't wait to make my first Bee Barn. Thanks for amazing content.

[@kathwilliams3218]

“I like details.” Never has a statement been more true. The details are extraordinary and I appreciate all you do for learning and research.

[@amyerickson6557]

I’m on the same page. People probably think I’m crazy but I use backer board and a water heater blanket to insulate my hive. My philosophy is that the less my bees have to work to stay warm, the less they will consume their resources. Thanks for your perspective. It’s always good to learn new ways and use what works for your situation.

[@stefanb8635]

Great job breaking down your thought process. I hope this system works well and delivers your bees health and thriving out of winter. I am glad you mentioned that this is just what you are doing and people need to research what will work in their area. If I was in a climate that had as many cold days as you, I would be looking to do something similar. Fortunately for me a system like this is overkill because I get only a few day of sustained freezing. In the winter my bees fly regularly because the temp gets warm enough mid-day. I have often toted that same phrase about cold and moisture. From now on, I will explain the concerns rather than just repeating the phrase.

[@ronnie-being-ronnie]

It’s so cool to watch you grow into your beekeeping! You started out so nervous, as is anyone embarking on a new adventure, but now you are self assured and confident enough to step outside bee keeping “doctrine” in order to improve your knowledge and make life better for your bees. If this is how you approach parenting, too, you have very fortunate offspring! The example you provide to persevere and then stretch beyond old goals is invaluable. Thanks!

[@charrison2005]

Jim, I’m a new backyard keeper in Georgia (2021). I really appreciate your videos. I’ve learned a lot from your tenacity… to have your bees not only to survive but to thrive! I’m following and look forward to your thriving colonies in 2022.

[@michaellemay1477]

I watched your entire video with a smile on my face, this was by far my favorite ! You materialized my entire thinking about winterization on KZbin, thanks for that! This is exactly how I did this year, here in Quebec after my reeding in June of the exact article you mentionned. I look forward for your DIY video of your Better hive (and wish I had your talent in woodworking). Love your videos!

[@jockenese5031]

Jim I’m a total newbie this year and found you by accident and since then have been a huge fan. I’m in the process of building new “bee barn” hives from the ground up, no taping together deep and medium. This new video is awesome and follows a lot of HVAC principles and ideologies on how to maintain a suitable environment, it took you to bring it to everyone’s attention. We build our houses using the ideas you are using here so why not for our bees (and for the keeper making management easier) I love what you do, how you approach and solve these problems and share it. Not everyone will agree with what you come up with but after almost 40 years in the construction industry I can only see you moving forward in taking care of your bees and the principals you employ to understand how to create a suitably manageable environment and a bee keeper friendly system. Awesome job.

[@jizzyjazzisit]

I like your transition, exploration, and ideas. I think it's a lot of work. I hope your idea, optimism, and sweat equity pays off this winter. I'll continue to watch this progress through winter into spring. Good luck, and happy bee keeping.

[@baileywengerherrera6185]

Great video, Jim! I'm really excited to see how the winter goes with your new system. I love how collaborative you are as a youtuber -- starting the conversation to continue bettering the bee community.

[@Kopsu87]

I'm not a beekeeper, but that seems like a well thought out system. I like your reasoning behind it. You're quite the bee innovator. Cheers 👍🏻

[@vernon130]

Hi. I live in Germany 🇩🇪 I have started this year with only one behive about " 5000 bee's " and instantly within about 2 months it turned into 2 hives. I had to split the hive and introduce a second Queen. And didn't even know where to begin and what to do. Man I was stressed out completely. But with your helping videos I did managed it perfectly. This will be my first winter with my 2 behives. You are an inspiration to all beekeepers. Thank you So much for your help and guidance. You never stop learning in live. There are Always place and time for more improvements. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 😀

[@petrafischer6599]

My dad said back in the 70ies in Germany. (Yes, we had cold winters too, not that long but cold minus 20 Celsius was not that uncommon) . Anyway he said when it’s that cold they stay very tight together and do NOT consume more because they slow their body down. As soon as the outside temperature Rieses they DO consume more because they move more and burn more, also the queen starts to lay in January, the hive needs way more energy/ food than let’s say in cold December.

[@melliferousanomaly561]

I have to say that those are some very well made hives. Really digging the extra-deep brood frames and the full wrap of insulation. My only thought for improvement is potentially coming up with insulated supers as well to complete the system for the summer. Love the way you keep thinking outside the box! Happy and healthy overwintering: thrive instead of survive.

[@prof0man]

Good idea, but don't you want the supers to be "summer hot" to cure the honey? Evaporating the water out of the nectar is the idea, so heat isn't an issue, correct?

[@melliferousanomaly561]

@@prof0man Good question! I wonder how feral honeybees nested in trees, underground or in the wall of a building cure their honey in the heat of the summer?

[@noeleenblue]

JIM JIM JIM!! PLEASE TELL US…. How does this fabulous new design work with the bottom boards? We are struggling to figure out the how the screened bottom board / bee entry works out with the foam insulation!?? We have watched your videos - LOVE THE WORK YOU ARE DOING!!! - and we can’t really figure out what to do with the sticky outy landing strip at the front of the bottom board where the bees enter in regards to cladding the whole brood box with 2” foam and cedar.

[@mattr4569]

Thanks for the wonderful video. My wife and I are trying to overwinter after our first season of beekeeping and were planning on trying your old method with Vivaldi boards and burlap until we saw this video. We altered our methods and wrapped our hive in a bee cozy and extruded foam cover. We will be adding a foam piece to the bottom of the hive and filling a deep box with insulation later in the season once we stop feeding. Wish us luck!

[@TheCaliforniaBeekeeper]

Good luck with this method and looking forward to your update and results man! Came across your channel in my recommended videos. Hello from Northern California 🤙🏼

[@pondimek]

Thanks for sharing. Your points about climate management within the hive, and providing a more controlled environment within which the colony can self-regulate, are absolutely spot on. They apply not only to frigid winters, but also to extremely hot summers. The less work the colony needs to do to regulate the hive temperature, the more work they can do on other essential tasks within the hive. That said, virtually no amount of insulation will provide total protection - but what you have shown seems to be sufficient to minimise the worst impacts. Will be fascinating to see your colonies through winter and into spring. Thanks again. Always interesting to watch your videos!

[@PharmSilver]

Great work Jim. It’s not easy putting yourself out there while you are learning. Keep doing what’s best for you, your bees and keep on innovating! I’ve learned so much from channels like yours and others to help me along my first two years beekeeping in MA. Cheers to ya bud!

[@scotthibbs]

I had to Google don't taunt happy fun ball! Lol You are a gentleman and a scholar. I'm a KZbin beekeeper, and think you are advancing the hobby/industry. Love that you're always learning!! 73s, Scott

[@habman9999]

So glad I found your videos. You have a great on air personality and do a wonderful job of them. I built my first bee barn last weekend and for the first time I am at ease approaching winter. I could never make sense of what I was being told what with the tar paper and upper vent and insulation under the cover. What I have learned from you makes complete sense to me. Thank you

[@tiastips5806]

Always improving is never a bad thing. Keep it up. Good luck to you and the 🐝 🐝 this winter.

[@mekan0001]

With every new video I am always amazed how beautiful those hive boxes are. I absolutely love the design.

[@mariebynon]

I really look forward to seeing how well this works, its fascinating.

[@Platypus2012]

Your yard is amazing. I Love your frames. Your definitely the hardest working beekeeper on youtube. From what I understand; The bees need moisture to condense on the walls so they don't have to leave the hive in the cold to find water. Insulated top cover, and not too much insulation on the sides will make the moisture condense on the sides where the bees can get it and excess drains down. Of course make sure the water can drain front the bottom or front entrance.

[@lcullen8083]

Funny I started off just like you with flow hives. It wasn't until my complete failure of 2020 did I find your blog in the winter of 2020-21 I sat and sat listening and learning through your videos from start to finish and couldnt wait to see how your booming apiary was going to be for 2021. So...If theres two thing Ive learned from you and other bee keepers its 1. Never give up and 2. If you ask 10 bee keepers the same question you get 10 different answers. Love the new look. Can't wait for spring. Never give up.

[@scottmurray5600]

There is always change....sometimes for the better, sometimes not. I felt your pain previously when all but one hive in your apiary survived the last winter. I too have lost what I thought were really good hives to a long, cold, wet Scottish winter and was blasted by their demise. I liked and still like your thermal block design. I've decided to give it a go and attempt to insulate with foam and apply a waterproof outer layer. As I write this the wind is whistling past my window and I hope I haven't left it too late!! I'm delighted to see you are recovering, applying lessons learned and your video is fantastic. Please keep up the brilliant work and post the concept. it's how we all learn.

[@fredee8887]

Great video & information! Looking forward on seeing the results. Hope all your beehives make it through this winter. Glad we don't get that cold in Australia. Good luck

[@KA-pj9ju]

Awesome design! I went with Laynes for insulation but if I was starting over I would copy this design. Many benefits to your design like easy supering and I like your feeding box. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@docjohnson2717]

Well done!!!....Your mitered corners and finger joints look very good.....If you could just make one about twice as big, I'd come and spend the winter with your bees!!!

[@tomelzear]

This is my favorite video that you have done. I loved what you did with the brood boxes but didn't feel it with your top. With the addition of the insulative box, I am impressed. Looking forward to spring.

[@jbeeshoney4573]

Great video! I have followed you since the beginning. I look forward to your new videos. Your doing a great job, I’m excited to see the data for this winter with the new hives and insulation method.

[@peterats7156]

Much respect Jim...you are certainly dedicated and your efforts are impressive. Very cool set up. Massachusetts beekeeper myself... my personal experience is mite control and adequate reserves result in overwintering success. I check those two boxes and have had great success. Looking forward to the spring update !!!

[@jonahbrame7874]

Such an elegant solution! I'm really looking forward to having data on the hive temps and humidity over the winter. Hopefully it will mean fewer surprises when march rolls around.

[@ronbritz7573]

love it! Thank you for the amazing videos. You've helped me so much with my first season of bee keeping. Started May 2021 with a swarm trap.

[@londam2405]

Hey Jim. Gotta say you're the reason why I'm getting my first bees next spring. I've been consuming your experience and knowledge for the past two weeks, and I can't wait evening to grab some free time to see more of it. When I saw your Bee Barn video, as a guy with major in mechanical engineering (particularly temp simulations), I was like "doh, of course you need insulation all over the year, why nobody thought of it sooner??". Anyhow, I am planning on building the Bee Barns over the winter for my bees as well. One thing that bothers me with the entire top insulation so that humid air can't escape is the moisture. Thing is, it behaves a bit differently than the temperature of the air. I do believe however that you won't have any problems with cold droplets of water due to thick insulation. What I think will happen though is the condensation of water from air on the surfaces near bottom entrance since there air will be colder and condensation will occur. I took a short look at Etiene's vids and it shows that temp is about 10C on the bottom, so there shouldn't be any ice forming inside of the hive. Nevertheless, I do expect that this area will be wet. -> Is there anyway to inspect/confirm this from the outside? Would this cause any issue to bees? I'm really really interested in seeing how your humidity will behave overall now when the entire hive (except bottom entrance) is basically sealed. So, looking forward on seeing future Bee Barn updates with accompanying humidity and temp data. Cheers from Croatia (we have very similar climate: strong winters (-10 to -15C) but hot summers (35 to even 40+ C) and I believe that Bee Barn is a must for both temp extremes here).

[@mikes1345]

Living in north texas my winter are probably your fall temps. At about 50 the bees here go foraging no matter how many stores they have. I am learning to watch what they are telling me and compare what I'm seeing from cold weather beekeepers like you. You are adapting to your bee goals and I am with mine. I think that is the message you send. Your concepts and ideas are interesting and help me. Thanks

[@joecnc3341]

Anxiously awaiting your yearly reviews of this system.. I plan on doing this to my bees.

[@navarra4]

I am so happy to see that you got this right for winter. I was afraid that you were not going to prevent heat loss up top after doing all that work on the lower section. I can’t wait to see how your bees survive the winter.

[@OneOfDisease]

looking forward to your spring results from the wintering next year. It is a cool concept!! I live in very warm climate and if I cared for bees I don't think I would have to do anything to keep them warm in winter.

[@kencollins3565]

As usual, you are leading in thought and conservation regarding bees and their survival. I am currently looking at insulating my hive with styrofoam and wood, similar to your bee barns. I have followed you from the beginning and really enjoy your videos and honest approach to teaching and learning. Thank you for all you do.

[@serenitywoods9752]

I love what you do for your bee's. Alaska also has a hard time over wintering bee's. We have some places and winters that are not only -50 but 6 months or more long. Foam hives are a norm here but yours are so much prettier and easier to maintain! Love it keep it up.

[@vinofarm]

Look up Etienne Tardif! He's got it figured out.

[@bzhoneyalanb8613]

I love how you experiment. I’ve alway been told if you keep your bees warmer the more stores they burn through because they don’t cluster as much and are more active.will be interesting to see how much stores they burn through. Keep the experiment going!

[@rpeebles]

Oh I am so happy to see you got it! Insulation is king...ask anyone who has an old home with no insulation! And insulation is not just for winter either. Here in Texas the insulation keeps the bees cooler in the summer as well! At minimum I use insulation in my lids but prefer to be fully insulated. They work less to maintain their inner temp and thus consume fewer resources. I love your zip tape idea since I have been trying to find a better way to stop the air gaps between the insulation and wood...I was using masking tape which is temporary at best. Thank you for the video!

[@toska5466]

I don’t know anything bout bees besides from what I watch from you…but this idea shows pure creativity

[@cliffneudorf6373]

Thank you again for a great video, the focus on moisture and addressing that is really helpful, you probably have addressed it in other videos but I am thinking that having the insulation remain in place during the hot season will also help in the bees moderating the temperature to suit their needs. Less energy loss on their part. Really appreciated this.

[@iowalayensbeekeeping]

Well done. The main point is to have thicker insulation on top so any condensation will stick to the sides instead of the roof. Not having a history with Langstroth, I chose insulated Layens hives. I also like the ‘snorkel’ entrance minimizing drafts and your deep frames.

[@levigarred1683]

I am not a bee keeper... With that said you made a statement about the hive possibly brooding earlyier cause of not having to maintain the temperature as much. That hit me like hopefully they do not need more resources earlier because they start brooding early in the winter and not be able to go and forrage cause it's still full freezing winter temperatures. Just a thought figured I'd pass it on in case it helps. I love the videos, I watch almost everyone that comes up. Good luck this winter.

[@katkorn5499]

Awesome video! I’m looking forward to hearing what the temperatures levels are during the winter months. I hope you will be able to keep us informed on what’s happening with the brood minders. Happy fall!

[@vinofarm]

I'll absolutely have updates. Thanks!

[@bigben567s4]

I'm down in Florida, so the cold doesn't affect my bees as much. I pretty much just feed through the winter, no changes to the hive, I still find all your information interesting. Definitely going to get some Broodminders to see how mine do. I feel like over this summer they may have been getting too hot. Another great informative video. Eager to see how things go you and the bees this winter. Keep up the good work.

[@bluesummers9813]

Its inspiring to see your thoughtful approaches to any of your projects. Keep it up and thanks for the videos.

[@sharonhendricks9706]

I'm really glad I came across your channel and this video in particular. This is my second colony. My first one died last winter, which broke my heart and horrified me at the thought of them freezing and/or starving. I do NOT want to repeat that this year. I know I want to give them as much protection as I can without going overboard and killing them with kindness or good intentions! And that is my main fear. I'm in zone 6b so while my winters can be pretty harsh, I'm not sure your set up is entirely necessary for me. But I like it, just the same. Fortunately, I only have one hive to worry about as we are going into November. They do have some small.trees in and around their site which I think will help with wind break but I believe they need more. I'm on the fence as to what to do.😒😒 Thanks for a great informative video!

[@Nicola_Bailey]

Really interesting video, and I say this as a non beekeeper. I'm looking forward to seeing how the bee barns perform over the winter.

[@terrir8525]

I love that you're utilizing Etienne's data results and science to make changes. I'm doing the same!!

[@BugFarmerBees]

I'm watching from work on the computer so I thought I would drop a comment. Great hives. I really can't wait to see their winter performance and your updates. Will watch again tonight on the TV.

[@Hugebach]

Your system is amazing, I'm a carpenter in Wales and I think what you've built is brilliant, stylish and functional, very cool

[@canuckyank82]

Thanks for great video on this latest iteration of protecting your bees. I look forward to the result. Hoping you are 100% successful.Thanks for the video!

[@bradn7899]

Thank you for getting my thought processes going. I am wintering my bees for their first winter in western NY, Etienne, I am a new subscriber,. I look forward to seeing how you handle your bees also.

[@hisimagenme]

Hey Vino, again, awesome process and it's all about learning in my opinion. It has been an honor to watch you as you've learned and shared, thank you! I always said, talk to the bee extractors... those people who go in and remove hives on people's properties. They'll tell you where the bees tend to go and survive in any condition. After observing that you can learn much about how BEES do it. Most the time they are found in insulated walls and attics... sometimes in hollow tree trunks. But in the tree trunks they only have one entrance and the main hive activity is located pretty deep inside that hollow. You can't think human comfort for bees, they have to work or they'll die. So their "HVAC system" is nessessary to their survival as much as food. Right or wrong is such an infantile way of looking at anything unless it's human behavior observing human behavior. Everything else is learning a totally different system of living and surviving, and that takes time and yes room for lots of improvement. Hope we all continue to learn about nature and it's eco systems so that instead of humanizing it, we can learn from it and improve our own approaches. That is true intelligence. Go Vino bees!! I'm dang proud to have found this channel and watch your experiences! Smiles and blessings...

[@vinofarm]

I'm not trying to give them "human comfort". My goal is to give them something approaching the conditions of a hollow tree. I would never add heaters or anything. My hives are deep cavities, highly insulated, air sealed and have long, un-interrupted comb. When I say I want to make them "comfortable" I'm talking "bee-comfort" not human comfort. I think thin wooden boxes with leaky sides and roofs and short, broken comb is about as uncomfortable a space you can put bees in. No swarm of bees if given the choice would choose to live in a holey tree with 3/4" thick sides.

[@Palanthon]

Looks good! I look forward to seeing your humidity data from over the winter. Will be interesting to see how it compares to a more traditional setup.

[@lloydfreeman1203]

I believe you have done a wonderful job to insulate your hive . Amen for your bees to thrive and not just survive. Even the hand holes are ways the cold penetrates through the thin areas. Even my South Eastern Texas heat is where your insulated hive can keep the heat stress in June through September, at a great reduction.

[@tricky6744]

Being in South Dakota I put Insulation on all four sides and use an insulation box for the top. Thanks so much for your thoughts on the upper entrances. Great video!

[@NelsonFerreiraJVF]

I don't have any hive, but what I can say about your content is: You are doing the real meaning of "bee keeper" and that can be seen in a simple but powerful sentence "the goal here is not to my bees to survive, I want my bees to thrive". Great attitude.

[@ramibryson3137]

I appreciate the sharing of ideas, resources, and articles. Transparency without pressure is the way to open eyes to new ideas. I really appreciated the disclaimer style 😂

[@HaveFaithFarmIL]

Love this and all your thoughts. For your tips on winterizing a standard hive: skip the cloroplast layer? Just two brood boxes, inner cover, telescoping cover, then tape sealed insulation wrap around outside and lid leaving only lower entrance. Is that right? When you make the “bee barn build” video, can you include some tips on how one might best transition an established traditional hive to the deeper frame setup? Going from a new package or nuc is one thing, but how to transition surviving hives would be great. Thanks for your great content and family friendly presentation. My kids often watch with me.

[@etiennetardif6552]

Thanks for the plug… I’m away at the moment but I’m planning on a couple more technical videos when I get back!!

[@vinofarm]

Thanks for stopping by! I pinned your other comment if you want to add anything it will stay at the top.

[@zionhoneybeesfarm1235]

We dont have winter in Jamaica but i love the fact your thinking ahead

[@Grady519]

Keep doing what you are doing! I’ve been watching you on here and instagram and when I finally start my hives (1 more year) because of you I feel SUPER prepared! Thank you for everything and keep up the good/hard work!

[@ZelmaBees]

This is so exciting; I can't wait to see how well they do next spring! Living in central Florida, I'm happy not to deal with such a severe Massachusetts winter.

[@susanbrockbank4670]

Very interested to see the results next spring . I am in the uk so very rarely have extreme low temperatures. Homeostasis is a wondrous thing . Some of my bees have totally closed off the inner lid by using propolis to block bee escapes in crown board and others have left them open . Good luck this winter💕🐝

[@DougMcHone]

Spring should be quite interesting! I would like to see a few boxes with the wick box, but if this works as you suspect, adding an insulated box to the top is simple enough. Thanks for being willing to challenge the status quo!

[@MrBeekhead]

I think this is awesome. I would never have to use all of this since I'm in the hotter areas of Arizona, but I think beekeepers should keep bees differently based on their climate. Why should that practice have to stop at just the way we interact with our bees? It should continue to the equipment we use and the methods we employ. Great job doing what you think is best for your bees!

[@ronlong2400]

You have done an excellent analysis of bee needs. I would like to make a suggestion for your bee entrances. The proper Eskimo igloo has the entrance at a lower level than the igloo floor. This allows cold air to exit without a door. Water vapor can also leave while the interior remains warmer.

[@davidapp3730]

Great video. That is the point of experimentations and trials you find what works best for you in your climate and your bees.

[@touchbomber]

Well done vino I'm impressed. This year has been very informative

[@jodykay215]

You're on to something...I love your ideas to keep our bees cozy during the winter.....it makes us better beekeepers😉

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

🥶 One point to consider, the use of an upper entrance provides access outside without any winter maintenance. But I agree with your thought process, so the entrance needs to be small.

[@vinofarm]

I have been an upper entrance guy from the beginning, but man... watching the sensor data in JUNE, on chilly nights the temps on the one hive with an upper entrance was dipping into the 70s at night. I closed the entrance and temps went right back up into the 90s and stayed there. I can't imagine how much heat loss there will be in January with even a tiny hole. I talked to Etienne and he assured me the bees are OK with NO upper entrances. I'll definitely need to walk up there every week and make sure lower entrances aren't blocked, but I check them often anyway. This isn't a commercial solution, but great for us hobbyists. Thanks, Ian!

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Ya Etienne is also a firm believer of no upper entrance along with a shit tonne of data. He also, as you say, isn’t commercial. I’m a non upper entrance guys aswell but the luxury of a no snow controlled winter room environment helps manage that snow issue. My strategy is directly focused on C02 management (and humidity) within the cluster. Upper ventilation creates too much air exchange. But when wintered outdoors if I hadn’t had an upper entrance my hives would of suffocated under 10’ drifts at times lol. ! But I had also completely blocked the bottom entrance with my insulation wrap so maybe that helped reduce the air flow exchange. It was low enough that a freshly snowed day , the lightly snowed in entrances took hours to melt out . Anyhow, I think we are both on exactly the same wavelength. Love your thought process. Keep up the fantastic videos. I tune in regularly, especially the ones you elaborate on your perspective of all those behavioural fall time dynamics , cheers 🥂

[@rstlr01]

@@vinofarm welcome to the darkside we have been waiting for you!

[@rhondasavva2500]

Great video and great explanation. Hope all goes well in your very cold winter. From warm and sunny Australia

[@brianwashburn4917]

Love thinking outside the norm! Thank for the info. I have a wild colony in a sycamore tree twenty five or so feet in the air on my property in ohio with one entrance, no treatments, no human interference and been there since I've owned the property. Survived 5 winters at least I know of

[@drewbravo8683]

I have been watching your video's for sometime and all I can say is WOW! Pretty cool stuff! Research, research, research, I believe your definitely on the right track instead of being stuck in antiquated mind sets. After all, you are just trying to improve the bee's survivability, absolutely nothing wrong with that and at least you have the courage to voice your great info! Keep up the great work, look forward to future episodes, oh, and one more very important thing! Thank you for how you edit, you are straight to the point, funny and have very clear explanations! Very much appreciated instead of having to hear someone who drags on laborious explanations that could really be summed up. Another suggestion maybe, carving ruff grooves on the inner side walls of the hive for bees to store propolis?

[@vinofarm]

The big hives were constructed using used hive boxes. The space they live in on the interior was all covered in propolis from years of use. When the bees went in, it already felt like a beehive!