Winter season inspections

[Markbee]

Hi

Firstly I am not refering to a summer type inspection, but simpley as basic as "is my hive still there!"

Its all to easy to turn the central heating up a notch or two and forget about your bees for months on end.

Even though you should not be opening this time of year there are many things you need to keep an eye on them like

- Are they still there? (Bee russeling!)
- Have they been knocked over or damged
- Flooding
- Mouse gaurds fallen off

To name just a few

I have just had a quick inspection of my hives, and all looks Ok.

They are all a good weight, and on a quick lift of the crown board a solid cluster of bees could bee seen over 4/5 frames.

No condesation and hive solid in condtion.

I am hoping to relocated my hives to the other side of my garden in the new year, because at this time of year, with the very low sun they do not get the sun.

Its a nice day, go and check you hives!

 

[Finman]

.
I do no winter inspections during 6 months.

If some one die, let it go! I can't help it.

I live 100 miles away from my hives.

 

[Markbee]

Thats fair enought finman, but I think must of us live closer to our hives than 100 miles?

And to loose a hive simpley because a mouse gaurd fell off or the hive got knocked off its stand is poor beekeeing.

I am not sugesting opening the hive, but the simple checks as above!

 

[BKF Admin]

I am driving up to the hives about every 10 days to check everything looks ok.

I must go up and give them a little lift to check stores.

 

[Finman]

.
My hives are under snow 3 months.

 

[tony350i]

.
My hives are under snow 3 months.

can't you get them a bit higher of the ground Finman

 

[Finman]

can't you get them a bit higher of the ground Finman

It does not help!

 

[tony350i]

 

[Markbee]

Snow is quite a good insulator so they will be nice and warm under there.

 

[Finman]

Snow is quite a good insulator so they will be nice and warm under there.

Actually my hives try to be in fesh air. Snow keeps hive moist and add nosema. I have kept hives under snow as it has been said but it is not good.

My hives are covered with (not yeat) with geo-textile. It protects against wind, snow and birds. When textile is wet, it will freeze. Snow rains on cover but the back side is open for ventilation.

But finaly, winter inspecting is vain because you cannot do nothing.
They will be Ok when we meet in March.

.

 

[bobandbec]

I think keeping an eye on things is more for the beekeepers benefit/peace of mind. That's why I check every couple of weeks.

Peter

 

[iombeeman]

i check ever few weeks,give them a heft,check for vermin damage,and
after storms,although all mine are roped to thier stands.