Is winter insulation overrated?

[Paulypaul]

Ok. If you live in the far north, there's a good chance your bees require insulation. But, for us southerners, do we over do it on the winter insulation?

There's a keeper very close to me runs dozens of colonies in old timber hives. Uses zero additional insulation for winter. No idea of his overwintering success rate as he doesn't talk to me.

Do serious commercial keepers add winter insulation?

Are some hobbyists who add a lot of insulation falling victim to treating bees like pets?

I use Abelo poly gear, so don't need any additional insulation. Next year I'm considering overwintering a couple of additional colonies on timber, with no additional insulation, just to seee if it makes much difference.

What's your experience? For most of us, is the need for winter insulation a bit over done?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

a slab of celotex over the crownboard summer and winter (mine are permanently fixed in the roofs) does no harm and probably does a lot of good (if for no other reason than blocking off those ridiculous vents on the roofs)
but faffing around with wraps and 'cozies' smacks a bit of silliness.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I use Abelo poly gear, so don't need any additional insulation.

You're right. You don't
I don't use their feeders so put 50mm celotex on top simply to make sure the top is warmer than the sides
I've given up on Stan's wooden boxes. I've converted him to poly.

 

[pargyle]

For most of us, is the need for winter insulation a bit over done?

No ... every bit of research shows that bees are better served if their environment is such that they can maintain it at the temperature they want - winter and SUMMER. What lengths you go to is up to you .. the least you should entertain is PIR above the crownboard but ... Bill Bielby (a well respected and thinking Yorkshire beekeeper) said in 1972 - "There is no such thing as too much insulation". It takes a while for some to catch on ...