Bumbling Around the Bee Hive.

[Bee1]

Hello All.

I’m concerned about my hives ability to keep the temp regulated and control pests during the winter months.  Why?  Because one layer, a med. super, is only partially built out with comb.   

How tight and compact does a hive have to be for winters in NC? Is this too much open space ?   

In this particular super I alternated the frames with full pieces of foundation and starter strips. The bees have drawn out all the comb on the frames with full foundation. Where the starter strips were they have drawn out the comb on the starter strips, but only where the strips were …they haven’t taken it all the way to the bottom of the frames so there are large gaps…

They have dabbed a bit of honey around here too.  ~2 + of the full foundation frames have a good amount of uncapped honey (or liquid or some kind.) And there is liquid in some of the short comb too. 

What to do???  NC temperatures are dropping and fluctuating, currently mid 30o â€" 70o for example.  As winter progresses temps will be dropping more… will they be able to keep warm?  Should I take this super off? 

Your thoughts and suggestion are greatly appreciated.

Bee1

[buzzbee]

How many boxes below that super and what are the stores like?
An empty super should be removed so the space does not consume the heat generated by the bees.

[Bee1]

How many boxes below that super and what are the stores like?

Its a very small/simple set up...
Below the super in question is one honey super (9 frames filled with honey, i took one) and one deep. 

An empty super should be removed so the space does not consume the heat generated by the bees.

I was thinking that might be the case, that I should remove it... However, if I do remove it - what do I do with the frames and all that beautiful liquid on them??  How do I store them?  Or keep them or feed it back? 

thanks again,
Bee1 

( btw.  I feel the need to say this is my first season and first winter -- as a way to justify my ignorance. )

[buzzbee]

Try putting the super with uncapped honey  above the inner cover and the bees will probably move the honey down if it's not too cold.

[Bee1]

Thanks... I've removed the super and am feeding the honey back to'em..  Hope they go for it. 

[randydrivesabus]

Durham doesn't get very cold...you should be able to feed if they need it almost all winter.