Why I Insulate My Bee Hives

This is the final phase of my hive winterization: INSULATION!
PHASE 1: VIVALDI BOARDS AND COROPLAST:
• Never Use Tar Paper Ag...
HOW TO MAKE FOAM WRAPS:
• NEXT LEVEL Beehive Ins...
There is always controversy about insulating beehives for winter. In this video I explain WHY I do it and HOW I do it. If you don't want to insulate your hives, you don't have to. If you do want to, I hope this video gives you some ideas.
THANKS FOR AN AMAZING SEASON! I will be uploading videos all winter, but the bee videos will be slowing down (except for a few straggling summer stories I didn't get to edit. Stay tuned!)
The best way to support our channel is simply to watch and share these videos! Spread the word!
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MUSIC used with permission from:
www.andrewapple...
Thanks, Andrew!

[@garlandgarrett6332]

You don't see bees making their own hive on the top of the hill. If you want bees to live where you want them to....you have to create the environment that they will like and thrive in. Insulate on I say!!

[@teripederson5034]

You’re doing your part to give your bees the best chance at survival. Rest easy knowing that you did everything you could and you can have a clear conscience. The rest of the work is up to the bees.

[@charlesthomas5737]

Everything looks good to me for your local weather conditions, I would put the wind break panels at the back of the bee yard in front of the trees and behind the last row of hives. To me, the trees haven't grown together close enough yet to really act as a good wind break. Your doing great, you have come along way fast in just three years of beekeeping.

[@ms5907]

I can appreciate your insulation method. 3rd year beekeeper here in Minnesota where the winters are long, brutal and very cold. I wrap my hives in cozy’s and use Vivaldi boards and winter covers with rigid insulation. My hives have made it through so far. It’s all about knowing your bees and caring for them the best you can. I care about my bees. Good work!!

[@mtnmyke]

Winter sure came fast for you. Here in coastal NorCal the Eucalyptus just bloomed and I just added another brood box to the hives. The dearth is finally over and the girls are cranking! I saw my first drones of the year yesterday so now is our time to do splits and what not!

[@p.markmcgonigle4568]

You keep doing what you're doing and please keep telling us about it all.... All of it.... Regardless of others feelings about your approaches. People need to learn to either take away from your message whatever little bit or lot bit works for them. Thank you for all your sharing

[@robman2977]

I'm glad you put the extra effort in to protect your bees. Whomever is saying you are doing too much probably doesn't do enough for theirs, or they don't own any. Big ups to you for the care, and empathy. I still enjoy this channel immensely. :)

[@markkarstad2899]

You are doing great! Many many commercial bee keepers put their hives in buildings over winter. I totally appreciate your openness and willingness to share your thoughts and processes. We are all learning - from your learning.

[@richbrannon5562]

I have never been a bee keeper, and probably never will be one, but I find your videos very interesting,educational,and addicting. Its like watching a bee soap opera. I can't wait to see how all the hives fare through the winter. Thank you for posting.

[@Dloweification]

Good stuff. I didn't see any comments about over-insulating but there isn't really such thing. Insulation doesn't make heat, it merely slows the transfer of heat energy, so the bees won't have to work as hard to keep the group warm. Less work to keep the group warm means you have more bees and a stronger hive in the spring. Plus they might not have to use as much of their honey stores so they'll be quicker to replenish and you'll be quicker to have their excess honey.

[@vinofarm]

This is exactly my point. I'm just trying to take the edge off. That's why they are not wrapped all the way around. I don't want to make an igloo. They still need to cluster and still need to work to stay warm, but there should be less die off if the whole colony doesn't need to struggle. I'm trying to find that balance point of just enough but not too much insulation.

[@kenwooley9414]

My sentiments exactly. I'm in western Wisconsin where -25 or more is not uncommon. In my situation, I push five hives together tight then wrap the entire line with full length foam insulation sheets.Actually uses less material and takes less time than wrapping each hive individually. I use a 1" moisture board (with a small upper entrance) topped directly with 2" foam board. In seven winters, I've never had any indication of moisture being absorbed in the moisture board, like you said because it is kept relatively warm so moisture does not readily condense. I'm thinking that in summer they can easily manage internal hive temps in 90+ degree weather, so it's unlikely that a little extra insulation will create a problem for them in April, at least up here. It should help buffer the affects of low night temps as the brood nest is expanding, as well as enable easier access to food stores. Best of luck this winter! .

[@PilotMcbride]

You are local, you know your weather, you act in the best interests of your bees, you have a passion that few can match, you da man James, you da man. Some of your viewers, including myself can't even imagine what it is like to live in your area with your climate. To watch your development, to be (a distant) part of it is amazing and we (the remote "wannabees") delight in watching the care and love you bestow on your bees. We'll keep watching my friend, your influence, believe it or not, is international, and we thank you for your efforts, particularly in your video work because without it we would not have access to an amazing person doing an amazing job. Thank you from downunder. 🇦🇺 🍺🍺 🐝 🐝

[@titus142]

Don't let the armchair "expert" get you down. We all know how toxic KZbin comments can be. You are doing amazing and are a big inspiration for me as a fledgling beekeeper. Also I am in New England as well so it is great to get that perspective.

[@dusk152010]

Idk what it is about your videos but everything just draws me in. It's all executed so well! I don't remember how I found your channel exactly, but I've learned so much about bee keeping even though I don't intend on keeping bees at any point in my life. Thanks for sharing your journey, can't wait for season 4!

[@welchkoservices4200]

Careful... You may eventually eat those words. Bees are a gateway to all of nature's Secrets. Something powerful people intended us to never know. Bee well. I'll keep an eye out for you in the comments, and see how it goes with you. Bee well Peace.

[@zadidoll]

My first winter in NE was 2014-2015. That was the winter we had a snowstorm every weekend for 11 or 12 weeks and snow DIDN’T fully melt until mid-June. Yes folks, we still had snow on the ground in JUNE in the Boston area.

[@bobrogers5522]

Thankyou Jim for all the great videos and stimulating conversation from your perspective and all the youtuber comments. Its been a interesting beekeeping season. Good job. Now relax and dream of warmer days...

[@BrooklandsHoneyBees]

Well said location is what people need to remember! I live in Wiltshire, England and although it can get a bit chilly it's nothing like you have to contend with. My hive will have a small bit of insulation in the roof that's it. But from speaking to other locals that's all that I need! Once again loving the videos, learnt so much from watching you and look forward to the spring to see some more. Thanks

[@jerzeypunkchick]

I love your videos so much, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and your 🐝s! Your channel has been one of my favorites to watch and learn all about these hardworking ladies! Good luck this winter, I hope all the hives make it through those harsh months! Stay warm, bees and stay warm Vino family!! Much love from PA! ❤️❤️❤️

[@vinofarm]

Carebear Thank you!

[@K2DO]

Based on the videos you have. you pay a gear deal and, attension on taking care of your bees I can see the way you handle them and the amount of work and care you provide, I'm not a bee keeper but I do appreciate watching your video.and the level of details and hard work put in to this profession. Thanks mate

[@jayl8813]

Great job. Lost all my hives last year. This year went above and beyond. Good job. Wish I was as neat as your work. Yard is awesome.

[@chrishumphreys9363]

I am new to Bee keeping this year, got a double 12 frame Nuc just 4 weeks ago having done the tutorial and the practical courses. I am having great fun watching all your vids, all the highs and the few lows. Love your ranch or farm which ever it is. I am aiming for 7 hives so I can go into one each day of the week so I can learn more. Keep up the good work.

[@LeeLee86]

You do you! ❤️ I think it's crazy that other ppl are going to tell you what is best for your climate & YOUR BEES! I live in North Alabama & all the beekeepers I know insulate their hives. It snows & gets/stays down in single digits to not above freezing for January-Mid March. I think what you're doing is great for your bees!

[@jeffpippin7072]

I think you are on target with what you are doing and I agree that you need to do what is best for your environment. We all learn by trial and error. One thing may be good for one beekeeper but not another. Keep up the good work!

[@chrisredfield8722]

I can't wait to see how these hives are in a few months time. I don't think you're overdoing it, you know better than anyone the climate you live in. You have had a few winters with your bees and any extra help you can give them to survive, the better. Love your videos.

[@jonahbrame7874]

This year has been a great ride. Its been amazing watching your hives grow. I’m really excited to see where we are next spring. Just a thought on the solar wall, maybe just put it behind the last row of hives to be an extra wind break to all of them. I agree that the trees are looking great, but since you already have it, why not use it? Regardless, it’s been a pleasure following along with you this year. Thank you for taking the time to share your journey with us.

[@vinofarm]

Yes, I'm thinking I'll just put the wall on the back and East side for maximum afternoon sun reflection. Thanks for the kind words!

[@annielafreniere9148]

Jonah Brame aaaaaaaaaaaà

[@larrymalone3560]

Great idea!!! Going out to get started this morning. Many thanks for sharing this with us!! It is appreciated. I was always told the saying about the weather was from Ky., but I think it caught on in several other states. Ha, Ha. 65 deg. yesterday and the bees were hauling the pollen sub. back to their hives as fast as they could fly. Again, thanks for sharing all your ideas with us!!

[@TheOriginalSentack]

I'm actually really curious just how warm it gets in the hive during the winter with all this insulation. Do you ever think of adding in something like a probe thermometer into a hive just to check in on the daily temperatures inside? I don't mean to suggest that the hive isn't getting enough heat, I'm just curious how warm it really does get in there.

[@realbartsimpson]

I'd also bee interested to see that.

[@dusk152010]

I definitely am on board with this. A weekly temperature update video would be great.

[@shohoku10]

Following

[@kamilfiani9115]

I wanted to suggest a thermometer as well to check temps, to see how much insulation works and how it can improve if certain patterns appears during day and night cycle, or rain vs snow cycles etcc... It would be a great experiment and improvement option.

[@beehinde]

The better the insulation, there will be a reduction in isolation starvation. Bees will move around better and eat less stores. Interesting read www.spiritbee.com/2018/02/18/7-years-bee-tree-wild-bees/

[@dawndominick2833]

I love your vids, they are so helpful! I live in Connecticut, and am going to start beekeeping next Spring (2020). I am learning all I can right now, and I think you've got some GREAT ideas--I want my bees to make it through the winter! Thanks!

[@MrWharfrat05]

Thanks for these videos. I live in Central NY and the duration of cold here is no joke. I've lost my hives the last two years and I am following your insulation regiment this year. Thanks you.

[@vinofarm]

I hope it helps. This is my video from 2 years ago. I made two more last fall and tweaked a couple things. Good luck.

[@jimbobdavis3366]

There your bee's how you look after them is TOTALY up to you and all power to you for careing keep it up and thanks for this year.

[@donnadarter6845]

I’m in central Tx but I grew up in western NY so I understand you’re weather issues. I love your videos and your passion for your bees is impressive. I agree that better safe than sorry. It’s obvious that you take your stewardship of these awesome little creatures very seriously as do I with my hives. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas.

[@julieenslow5915]

Beautiful Vino Farm hives, all snuggled in safe - an inspiring view. Thank you for sharing this journey!

[@realbartsimpson]

Thanks for putting up the temperatures in both celsius and fahrenheit. looking forward to the not yet edited videos. I wish you and your bees the best for winter!

[@vinofarm]

Thanks, Bart!

[@enstreetbees9968]

Man I love your vids after my first year bee keeping i have learned quite a bit and one is that although the basics are usually the same get more than one beekeeper in a conversation and the argument begins on what is the best way. Second as I am sure you know no matter what people will criticize anything and everything someone else is doing. Thanks very much for the time and effort in your videos and I share your passion as a bee keeper.

[@mosquitoswat1]

Vinofarms....thanks to you and your videos I have planted garlic and walked into the bee yard with a better plan or simply just a plan. Keep up the great work!

[@zimrasawyer1881]

I love this channel, you are so caring for your bees. It's a beautiful thing to see. Keep up the awesome videos and good luck this winter!!!

[@janetempest7375]

I LOVE how you care for your bees! Can't wait for the Spring opening!

[@AIM54A]

Use your tractor to plow a snow berm on the outside of your tree line. It'll push that wind up over the top of the boxes instead of blowing between them. Everything looks great.. Hope you have a good winter.

[@CashSly]

Thanks for the direction! I used your ideas and created wraps for my hives, albeit a little thinner, as our winters are far less than yours. Thank you!

[@harveyloveall7066]

Brother,you just keep on keeping on. I appreciate all the advice. You are doing just fine.

[@carolemullen8676]

We’ve lived up here in Park City, Utah at 7,000 feet so I will be insulating my bees when I get them. Your videos are the best ones I’ve seen.

[@drrota]

Lay the solar wall in front of the hives - to reflect the sun onto the front of the hive - it will double the heating of the front of the hive. - this is what I did 20 miles east of you. - Good luck - well done!

[@necrozmaggron5840]

Once again for the wonderful viewers! FONDANT!!!!

[@blkmjcwmn61]

Your videos are really entertaining and informative! I never thought I would get interested in beekeeping...but you make it interesting because you explain everything very well, and your thinking behind what you do. Makes sense that you would offer the bees as much protection as you can. I think you have had some great ideas!

[@vinofarm]

Thanks, Mel!

[@Rowdymotmot]

Very interesting. I have never been around bees and did not realize the amount of care they need. I like your plan and the DIY work. I think your bees will really enjoy their abodes this winter. Keep the videos coming.

[@robbie2187]

I live west of Syracuse NY,we get -20 degrees for at least 2 weeks,193inches of snow and we go months without seeing the sun.Keep the ideas coming!

[@vinofarm]

This is an old video with my old thinking. The stuff in this video works, but check out my video “I fixed the Langstroth Hive”. That’s where I am now and I believe this is the way!

[@DieMasterStulle]

Man, to see the progress in the whole time . thats amazinh, YOU´RE amazing. you´ve doe a great job, you´ve done the best you can and think of and thats more, than nearly the whole population of th world ever does or will do for these little creatures. maybe it means nothing for you, but me and my friends, who watch your video, are proud of you as a human for what you do. Keep the work up, save our planet, or at least stay making it better. you want isolate, do it. learing from doing, like you always does and like always, its the best way for you ! i bow for your service dear gentleman

[@bfd1565]

You're a wonderful dad to those bees!!!

[@mitcho590]

As always, love your work! Really hope to see how the mics are going I the half half boxes. Should do a video with the update on them and how the carniolan queens are going

[@vinofarm]

Mitcho All bees in the resource hives were upgraded into full boxes back in August. That’s one story line I recorded but didn’t show yet. 6 of my 12 hives here cane from the resource hives! I’ll make a video about it soon.

[@mitcho590]

@@vinofarm awesome 😀, I'm considering changing 2 of my 5 hives over to carniolan next season

[@maydelledagostino3878]

Two thumbs up!!! My fiancée and I love your videos!!!

[@vinofarm]

Hi Maydelle!

[@dewaynewhitney5703]

I like that idea. I live in northern Minnesota and it gets cold up here also. Keep up the good work.

[@orangehkk]

This is so cool. I found your channel this year somehow and have been hooked! Thanks for the fab content, interesting perspective and great videos. I look forward to what you are going to publish over the winter and cannot wait for spring! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@kenziestieber4784]

Kicking off my day watching some bees get warm! Good luck this winter, I can't wait to see what spring brings

[@ideasmatter4737]

I appreciate you sharing what you are learning and trying. I can't help but wonder if those criticizing your insulation efforts are just jealous of your industry!

[@mademoisellekaya1438]

What are you going to do next year when the yard is getting too small? And would love to see the mix between the snow and cold and the past summertime! And I always like to say.. You do you and I will do mine, it's all about learning curve and respect 😊

[@LeeLee-nz1kq]

I love how you care for your bees!!! 🐝 They deserve to be cozy and warm too ♥️

[@smikehunteraquariumgames9281]

I used to live in MA, i know how cold it can get. I like having options to protect bees. I can't yet but i'm bookmarking these ideas for when i'm ready to have bees.

[@samshafer1282]

Right on. In northeast WY; I leave my insulation on year-round. Helps in summer too!

[@k.rebeccagell8766]

Love the videos Vino, always look forward to the next one, keep up the great work!

[@Cup0fDOOM]

The catharsis I get from watching these videos got me through nursing school, especially through the summer. I don't live in a place where I can keep bees, but it's still interesting stuff.

[@vinofarm]

Cup0fDOOM Wow, thank you. This means a lot. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@BohemiaBees]

NICE JOB ANDREW! WELL SAID. Every other beek seems to be “the expert”. You know your climate and you know your bees. Giving them an edge isn’t a bad thing! You keep doing your thing and I’ll keep watching here @bohemiabees

[@violettalewandowski4913]

Thank you for sharing your experience...me and my friend are new beekeepers and we followed you exactly the same way how you winterize bees...out climate is wet...not so much cold but last winter bees were dry and we are doing this year again the same way you do....so thank you

[@vinofarm]

Tomorrow I’m releasing a video with new information and a new system. The system in this video will work in wetter climates, but I’m doing things differently this year. Stay tuned.

[@maisiecarter9349]

My goodness winter comes in quick where you are. We're lucky if we get a dusting of snow mid winter. Good luck bees (particularly Frankenhive), see you in the spring.

[@sandracunningham2689]

Looking forward to catch up videos. I enjoyed your sour dough and basement videos.

[@brettwillbornsr.8437]

Keep up the good work ! Nothing but good vibes from you!!!

[@thenoobbeekeeper7376]

I am gonna start beekeeping in 2020 and you are the guy I will really enjoy watching and being creative on how to keep your bees safe and warm. Keep it up and long live your bees.

[@thenoobbeekeeper7376]

I am gonna do something like this but a little bit different- and I will show you the results later.

[@t0x1cDr3am]

Been watching for about 10-11 months now and it’s crazy the cycles of weather that you go through! I’m from Chicago but props up there lol. Great video none the less!!!

[@vinofarm]

Friggin' New England. Love it and/or Hate it.

[@bc58]

Great job. Very responsible and caring Beekeeper.

[@alphaxanon]

The only thing I can think of that you didn't mention is mouse guards. I hope you have lots of survivors to dance about come spring!

[@vinofarm]

alphaxanon I forgot to mention them because they live on my hives year round. Lots of mice in our field.

[@krispapas9834]

Looks very creative! Thank you for sharing! I like that outer shell for the top cover.

[@MrBobberino01]

Here in Austin Texas it sunny and 65* F. I don't need to do any of this with my bees, but I liked your vid because it's great content. +1 Stay warm brother!

[@iSbPanda]

I really like your choice of music. I discovered this specific Applepie-track in one of your last year's winterization-videos and couldn't get enough of it.

[@vinofarm]

Yeah... It's the first track I ever used of his. It inspired me to write to him and ask if I could use it! I used it on the final bee video of my first season and it felt right for this one, too. It's my favorite Andrew Applepie track.

[@alfredobonillacastaneda1541]

Looks like you ready for winter. Good luck. Here in canada 🇨🇦 we are already under snow.

[@asdfghjklasdfghjkl4572]

I wondered where the solar panel was...good thinking that it might shade the row behind... Look forward to the miscellaneous summer videos...its a long hard winter without your updates! :-)

[@braegarden6478]

Cracking video mate - I live in a part of Australia which has summer temps above 40c and night time winter temps -10c. Will be following your lead to keep the girls happy. Love your work!

[@PaulOtis]

You are doing your part to get the girls through the winter. I'm also waiting for that random day in Dec to check the stores. :) 111 more days 21 hours 48 minutes until spring!

[@gordonmaurer5236]

I'am with you 100%. Love your ideas and have used some of them.

[@KleinerDrache]

good work and do your work as you think it is the best for your bees. But one question do I have: Why are the Stress relievers for the strap just on the front side and not the back side, too?

[@beckieeldred5816]

I need you ! For my bees I'live in Iowa . Frist year in bees I have made raps like you have. Everything like you do! Thank you God

[@chrishall3578]

It will be interesting to see if they eat more because they are warmer. Seems no one really knows what is best but through all the effort you and others put forth we may evolve better processes for the future. Thank you for that effort. I'm using plain sugar in a basket on a paper towel this year from the "Skinny Bee Man". So far it absorbs the humidity and crystallizes the sugar into the towel. It makes fondant on its own. I have actually seen bunches of bees eating it. They need the water to harvest it. I'm thinking they need some condensation for a water source. We know there are bees whose only job is to collect water. How much water do they need in the winter? If your setup totally stops the condensation we may have some idea of the answer. Please keep us informed.

[@poep567-y5u]

Just a thought but I think Brushy Mt did a webinar on propolis and not so sure you should pop the top on them. It apparently keeps the hive all sealed up and they are less likely to be able to create that barrier so late in the season, but I could be wrong. At this point, you've done what you can...the rest is up to them. :)

[@Apostolis3486]

fantastic videos! i use plastic hives they have very good isolation from wheather conditions

[@j.d.8075]

The only thing I would actually change would be the stands... I would have made them a little bit higher so that the hives and the entrance/s would be well away from the frost layer... and to allow a little more air flow through during Summer... but that really is a trivial point.

[@michaelmueller8976]

I appreciate you views and experience. TY

[@andylossing7628]

I don't think that you are over doing it my friend. I think u are doing a great job. Don't listen to those nay sayers. And the cold will kill them. You are doing right.

[@emmadawson1158]

You are doing the best for your bees. Keep it up.

[@Psyche8D]

I’m glad to hear you have more videos to put together. I’ve been wondering about your resource hives/double nucs. What did you do with them? Did you like them? Did you use them for brood boosters or run a double queen colony?

[@derrickmeaghers1216]

been watching your videos now for some time with great curiosity as I live in the Columbia River Gorge at the base of the Wind River Valley our Winters can get quite extreme here also worst I've seen it is 72 below zero for two weeks but I've been here for 50 years usually we have to to I would say three solid weeks of what we call the Siberian freight train comes down out of the North and the east it's us in the neighborhood of around 10° to maybe 10 below made polystyrene hives give my babies a little extra chance I'm most curious on the way you ventilated yours does he how your bees come out

[@nickbowman2537]

Man you do a killer job! Looking to get into bee keeping this year and I’m learning a lot from your videos! Really information packed! Thank you

[@jp_the_ojp]

A+ this is a great idea. Those look great.

[@jhcali71]

From your comments, it would seem that you’ve gotten a bit a push back. From the layout of the land, it looks like those hives are in a wide open field with no serious wind blocks (your little trees notwithstanding) so I totally understand why you would want to do some form of protection. It will be interesting to see what your survival rate will be now that you have an excellent sample size to experiment with. Thank you so much for sharing the adventure with us!

[@98765pj]

I think a cool ending to the video would of been a transition to what they look like now from the drone. If you get a clear calm day

[@watermelongames3194]

jhcali71 Go look at Cody’s lab he talked about how his bee box fell down in -9 (fahrenheit) weather. He had no insulation and the hive was exposed. He came back days or weeks later and the hive was fine. Insulation is over kill and has killed hives before.

[@Sebach82]

Amazing, as always! Thanks for sharing!

[@doozowings4672]

I love your insulation hive tips.. keep up the great work !

[@GrimKeeper9011]

Wow just hearing you talk about a winter. I'm close to Savannah Ga we have 2 weeks of "Winter"(which is sounding the equivalent to early fall for you) then 8 months of summer. A few weeks before and after summer that teases spring or autumn. But that's it.

[@1centplus1cent]

I love the care you take with your bees! Great job and if I could keep bees I would do it just the same... better safe than sorry. Do what you have to do to prevent an entire hive from dying. I hate watching videos where keepers lose bees because they didn't take ANY precautions. Anyone suggesting that your method is overkill is probably either killing colonies/hives left and right and thinking "oh well, that's nature" or they're not bee keepers.

[@kennapop3]

Windy Western Illinois 13 1/2 inches of snow 21 degrees today 13 degrees yesterday 46 degrees predicted for Saturday. Foam cover a project for tomorrow. I already have a vivaldi box with a healthy amount of burlap three layers of 30 pound tar paper and a bee cozy. learning from watching you Thanks. Ditching tar paper in the spring and following your example.

[@vinofarm]

kennapop3 I’m just throwing out ideas. Modify as you like. Stay warm out there!

[@kennapop3]

I'm serious rigid foam cover project takes place tomorrow on the lid any way. @@vinofarm

[@kennapop3]

A piece of foam 1/2 in inch in a plastic bag. for now. I have found 2 inch rigid foam. Fiberglass Paint?

[@timk571]

I'm getting more respect for you. Seeing those tempratures and the climate you living. I never had started keeping bees. You did! Great job on making the videos an showing everybody that it is possible!

[@vinofarm]

Thanks for watching.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

You got my vote! I LOVE your crazy thick insulation!

[@nicholascosta6170]

This year I went along with tar paper and insulation board. Came out well.

[@ryansnitker941]

I have leftover 10mm clear polycarbonate sheets, do you think putting that, on top of my tar paper for a 360° insulation/ wind barrier would work? It would still allow sun to hit tar paper, but and some R value.

[@vinofarm]

I’d be careful about clear plastic sheets. You don’t want to create a greenhouse and WARM the hive. You just want to take the edge off.

[@OkieRob]

Looking good. Hopefully you will have lots of survivors and will get to tests new skills on swarm prevention and honey production.

[@vinofarm]

Next year's focus will definitely be on production. Thanks, Rob!