Get your bee colonies winter-ready

By Andi Anderson

As winter approaches, beekeepers in northern states are reminded of the importance of preparing their honeybee colonies for the cold months ahead.

According to Randall Cass, a bee specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, overwintering preparations should begin earlier than most realize—ideally in late summer.

In a recent article published in the Acreage Living Newsletter, Cass outlines five essential steps to help beekeepers protect their colonies during the winter. These steps focus on reducing winter losses and strengthening colony health to ensure bees can survive until spring

Crucial Overwintering Steps:

Cass highlights the importance of varroa mite control, ensuring adequate food stores, re-organizing and combining frames, managing moisture levels, and using proper wrapping and insulation techniques.

By taking these measures, beekeepers can better protect their bees from the harsh and unpredictable winter conditions common in northern regions.

Cass also emphasizes that timing is critical for success. "Preparation should start in the late summer to give colonies the best chance of making it through winter," he advises. Beekeepers need to monitor food supplies and ensure hives are insulated to prevent heat loss and excess moisture buildup, both of which can threaten colony survival.

The article provides a detailed breakdown of each step, along with follow-up information and precautions beekeepers should consider for optimal hive management during the cold months.

In addition to the beekeeping advice, the latest issue of the Acreage Living Newsletter covers a variety of other farming-related topics, such as pasture-raised beef, farm biosecurity, apple harvest tips, and soil sampling.

The newsletter, published every other month by Iowa State University’s Small Farm Sustainability team, is a valuable resource for farmers and small-scale agricultural producers across the state.

With winter fast approaching, early preparation can make all the difference in protecting honeybee colonies and ensuring they thrive when spring returns.

Photo Credit: pexels-pixabay