Snow covering main entrance ??

[MagicValley]

I just brushed the snow away from the porches and main entrances of my two hives.  It is 1F degrees this morning in So. Idaho.  By Thursday, its supposed to get up to 40F for the high.

What is the correct practice?  Leave the snow blocking the entrance, or remove it?

[D Coates]

That's a personal choice but I wouldn't worry with it.  Personally I cork my bottoms come winter and have a upper 2" shim with a hole in it as an upper entrance.

[mikecva]

I do not uncover mine. I have two screws in the bottom of the inside cover sticking out 1/2". This works as a upper entrance and air flow to let moisture out.  -Mike

[Michael86]

With screened bottoms is snow not a problem for the bees.

Greetings
Michael

[rwlaw]

I leave the snow on, but check them periodically to make sure there isn't an ice buildup.

[MagicValley]

In winter, I put the slides under the screen bottoms to help keep the wind out.  So they are pretty closed up, but certainly not sealed.  The inner cover has the oval hole, so some circulation happens out of that.

[mikecva]

I use old political signs to close the back of the screened bottom boards to cut down on drafts. -Mike

[Joe D]

I feel for you fellows, yesterday it was 80 here.  In a few days it is suppose to get into the upper 30's at night.



Joe D

[Michael Bush]

As long as there is an entrance where they can get out (top, in my case) then I don't worry about snow.  Snow is insulation.  I did worry back when I only had a bottom entrance because we might get only one warm spell and the bees will need a cleansing flight before winter is over.  We also might get several, but I can't know that.

[derekm]

lift the hive above the snow, away from the rodents living under the snow. Bees in wild have this sussed by going (where they have te choice) for nests 15 ft up.