advice for winter checklist in foothills (amador wine country) of California

[blckoakbees]

Ladies and Gents

I am hoping you can give me some advice on making sure everthing is ready for winter with my two hives.  Raccons got one a couple of weeks ago.  The electric fence is now working perfectly.

It is getting below 5o at night some times, but still has been warm 80's some days 60 others during the day.  I have been feeding sugar water 2/1 and have done poweder sugar treatments for mites and see very few.

I missed the local bee class on winterizing because I had not joined the association yet.  Have now and going to a meeting tomorrow.

I thought someone might have a checklist.  This is my first winter.

I have a super with very little in it on top, should I remove it.  Is less space better during the winter?  Do I need to insulate the hives at some point if the temperature drops.  We usually get a little less than a foot during some time in the winter.

Welcoming all advice and good thoughts

[Brian D. Bray]

If you listed your location as something other than Hopelessly Lost I could be more specific with recommendations.  Without that info I will limit my comment to wrapping or insulating a hive.

In my experience and knowledge Wrapping a hive with tar paper, packing styrofoam around it, etc., has not been demonstrated to be significantly effective anywhere in the lower 48, although there are islolated pockets (such as New England) that still persist in continuing the practice.  In fact, wrapping or packing a hive actually raises the moisture (condensation) content within the hive, the moisture will kill the bees long before the cold will.

[Moonshae]

Glad to know that I shouldn't wrap. It seems like the debate is lively here, but with an SBB and a top entrance providing ventilation, I should be just fine here in Central NJ. Here's to hoping my basement nucs survive, too! They will have fondant, pollen patties, and water at whatever amount they want.

[blckoakbees]

I am in Sacramento California, but the bees the important ones are in amador county California nearest town is called fiddletown.
This is near a wine region in California.  Elevation 2500 ft.

Does that help.