Wintering single deeps.

[Fishing-Nut]

I live in Georgia. We have mild winters but we definitely get cold . Looks like I'll have a few single deep hives to winter this year. I'd like to hear what you guys who are also in some milder winter climates do to winter your bees. Obviously plenty of food, but is there any other steps I can take?

[AR Beekeeper]

I have an inch of foam insulation board above the inner cover both winter and summer.  I feed a gallon of syrup in August if the queens show any sign of stopping egg laying, I want strong populations going into winter.  In mid to late October I feed until the single is packed full of syrup, and because my bees love to rob, I reduce entrances to 2 or 3 inches. 

This year I am going to winter in a deep plus a medium because our spring weather has become so unsettled.  The late cold and rain makes it hard to feed if a colony runs short of stores in March, so I plan to have more food on the colony to give me a longer time period in which to react to food shortages.

[Oldbeavo]

You need to pack out the hive, either by feeding or leaving a full super on them till you pack them down.
if you can pack them down before the end of the honey flow or feed they will fill the lid as well of the frames. lids can hold 2-3kg of honey and will be eaten first. so extra insurance for winter.

[Ben Framed]

You need to pack out the hive, either by feeding or leaving a full super on them till you pack them down.
if you can pack them down before the end of the honey flow or feed they will fill the lid as well of the frames. lids can hold 2-3kg of honey and will be eaten first. so extra insurance for winter.

Live Oak had a very good post last year about preparing bees for winter. It would be worth your time to find it. I can not remember if he mentioned single or double but informative just the same.
Phillip

[BeeMaster2]

I know several long time Beeks here in north Florida that only winter their bees in single deeps. They swear by it.
Jim Altmiller

[Fishing-Nut]

I've always wandered how putting bees inside something in the winter would do for them. Say for instance a big ole rubbermaid container. Not that I would do it. Just wander what would happen. Probably get to hot for them. Or possibly warm them up enough that they eat to much and dont make it through the winter. 

[FloridaGardener]

I read about some people using self-regulating heat cable to wrap the base of beehives.  This is the heat cable used to protect plumbing pipes in solid-freeze locations.  Thermostats turn on at 37 degrees and shut off at 50. 
       Assuming you can use an extension cord to the location.

[Ben Framed]

Fishing Nut. Devan Rawn has a good video explaining how and why he winters single deeps. He is in Canada. A real nice fellow who is always willing to help. YouTube