Extreme winters

[CeeGeeBee]

This is my first year with one hive. We have some extreme winters with temps between -20F to -40F (wind chills down to -80F). We also have to deal with 6 to 8 foot snowdrifts. I am considering bringing the hive into an unheated garage/barn over the winter to make sure the hive does not get buried in snow (which would result in air blockage). With these temps, should I add a heat source to the hive? If so, what kind of heat source can I use?

[T Beek]

Artificial heat just fools your bees into thinking its warmer than it is, although there are several advocates around who swear by it, I'm sure they will chime in.  Housing inside an 'unheated' room, garage, etc. is used by many beeks as well. 

There are many beeks in the North who 'completely' cover their hives with snow, myself included when there's alot.  I've never heard of bees suffocating under snow so I don't believe its an issue.  Wind is another question.  If snow fall doesn't provide enough insulation some type of windbreak will certainly help.  There's lots of folks keeping bees in the Dakota's so you're in good company.

thomas

[BlueBee]

I do use artificial heat in my little bee yard here in Michigan.  Most people seem against the idea, but it suites me fine.  I'm just going to say, do what you like in that regards, a little heat won't hurt a bee.

I agree with Thomas that suffocation in a snow drift is unlikely and that a blanket of snow over the hive is a good thing.  

There is lots of wintering discussions on this site if you look back a few months or do a search.

[T Beek]

Where's Finski? :)  I agree w/ BlueBee, 'wintering' is a favorite, heavily discussed and debated topic and the forum archives are loaded with useful and thoughtful insight on the pros and cons.

thomas

[Kathyp]

it is good to clear the entrance when you can.  even with snow on the ground the bees will fly on some days.  they will also clean house.  snow is not bad.  it's the sheets of ice than can be a problem.  :-D

i use screened bottom boards.  if we get the ice, there is enough air through the bottom, even with the inserts in, that they will be ok. 

[T Beek]

My bees make their own snow tunnels (I'm not kidding), although I do pile up less on the entrance side.

thomas

[CeeGeeBee]

Thanks for the replies and advice!  :) I have only had my bees for a month, but I am already getting quite attached and would hate to lose them over something I could prevent.

[Finski]

.
In cold climate
- the first thing is insulate hive box. It saves food. Nowadays polystyrene brood boxes is the answer. Insulation is very esential to spring build up

- more important is too get the local bee stock which start wintering in right time. If the hive keep brood over winter, it will surely die. Bees from south make brood as long as they will be dead.

-  it is very good if hives are big. But then it is difficult to move them to the shelter.

- in wintering shelter  the temp must be under +7C and dark. Fresh air ventilation is essential.

- inside the snow bees survive better or worse. If it is constal frost and snow is dry, it is good insulation.  But if the snow is sometimes wet and partly melts, it keeps the hive too moist.

- wind is bad to wintering and to spring build up