Winter marks the official end to a beekeeper's year. Yes I know I haven't updated about my hive lately but this pregnancy thing kind of takes over. The girls are still out there and getting ready for winter. They need 50 degrees for their wing muscles to work and therefore have not been out for a while.
I suited up today to do the last prep for a long winter. My veil string now only barely fits my middle, just enough to make a bow. But the maternity pants make it easy to tuck everything in. I was fully protected and had my smoker going but it wasn't necessary. They were quite happy to remain inside.
I sprinkled the top with poison mixed with powdered sugar to keep the nasty diseases out. Then I put the entrance reducer in so they have less to protect from intruders. There were a couple other housekeeping duties and then I left them alone. I just need to wrap the outside to give them extra insulation. Working together they can keep the inner temperature at 93 degrees to protect the queen. I have some housing construction grade foam insulation to give them an extra boost. We'll probably do it on Thanksgiving since I need Tom's help to cut it to size and help fasten it on.
This is my first winter as a beekeeper so I'm not sure how they will do. I really hope they have enough food to get through. The arrival of snow will actually be a blessing because it insulates too. Keep your fingers crossed that in the spring I am greeted by happy buzzing.