Protecting your hives through the Winter

Caring for Bees During the Winter in the UK: Essential Tips for Beekeepers

Winter in the UK can be a challenging time for bees, as they are especially vulnerable during the colder months when food is scarce, and the temperatures drop. For beekeepers, ensuring that the colony survives through the winter is crucial. Proper care and attention can make the difference between a thriving hive in spring and the loss of an entire colony.

Here are some essential tips for treating bees in the winter to help ensure their survival:

1. Ensure Your Bees Have Enough Honey Stores

Bees rely on honey to survive the winter months, as they need food to keep warm and maintain energy. As the temperatures drop, bees cluster together inside the hive to conserve warmth. It’s important to make sure that your bees have enough honey to sustain them throughout the colder months. Ideally, a healthy colony should have around 20-30kg of honey heading into winter.

If your bees are running low on honey, you can feed them with sugar syrup or fondant during the colder months, but it’s vital to avoid overfeeding as this can cause moisture build-up in the hive.

2. Keep the Hive Well-Insulated

Insulation is essential for the bees’ survival during winter. The ideal hive should have adequate protection from the cold while allowing for sufficient ventilation. Make sure the hive is in a sheltered location, out of the wind, and ideally placed in a sunny spot.

There are several ways to improve insulation:

• Use insulating hive wraps or blankets that help keep the heat inside.
• Ensure the roof is watertight and has no gaps.
• Add an extra layer of insulation around the hive sides, but be careful not to block the entrance or airways that bees need to ventilate the hive.

3. Minimise Disturbance

During winter, bees go into a natural state of reduced activity. Avoid opening the hive unless absolutely necessary, as this can disrupt the colony’s peace and cause stress. Constantly disturbing the bees during this time can lead to unnecessary energy expenditure, and it increases the risk of cold drafts entering the hive.

4. Check for Varroa Mite Infestation

Varroa mites are a major threat to bee colonies, especially in the winter when their immune system may be weaker. In autumn, it’s vital to treat the colony for varroa mites to reduce the chance of an infestation. If left untreated, varroa mites can weaken the bees, making them more susceptible to diseases.

Some common varroa treatments include the use of formic acid or thymol, but always follow best practice and legal guidelines regarding treatment options. If you haven't treated your colony yet, it’s important to monitor the bees closely for signs of varroa during the winter months.

5. Monitor Hive Ventilation

A well-ventilated hive is key to preventing excess moisture build-up inside the hive. High humidity levels can lead to condensation, which can make the bees cold and cause them to become weaker or die. Make sure there is a way for moisture to escape, such as a small ventilation hole in the roof or an upper entrance.

6. Inspect the Hive Entrance

Make sure that the hive entrance is clear of debris, such as dead bees or leaves, to ensure proper airflow and allow bees to exit if they need to take a cleansing flight on warmer winter days. If the entrance is too large, consider reducing its size to help maintain heat inside the hive. A small entrance also helps prevent predators, such as mice, from getting inside the hive.

7. Provide Emergency Food Supplies

In case of extreme cold or if the bees have exhausted their honey stores, it can be helpful to have emergency food on hand. One option is a solid sugar block or fondant that can be placed directly over the top of the bees. This provides them with an immediate food source without having to open the hive. Always check the stores before applying emergency food, as overfeeding can be harmful to the colony.

8. Protect the Bees from Pests

Winter brings about an increased risk of pests such as mice, which can be attracted to the warmth of the hive. Use a Hive-Five Multi-Guard mouse guard screen on the entrance to prevent rodents from entering. It's also really easy to clean out any dead bees with this screen. Simply lift it up and swipe another screen across to clear any deceased bee bodies and prevent blocking. 

9. Reduce Hive Size (If Necessary)

In smaller colonies, it may be beneficial to reduce the size of the hive by removing empty frames. This can help the bees cluster more effectively, making it easier for them to maintain warmth. However, always ensure that the remaining frames contain enough honey stores to support the colony.

10. Check for Dead Bees and Disease

Occasionally, dead bees will accumulate at the entrance of the hive. This is normal during the colder months as bees gradually die off. However, if you notice large numbers of dead bees or signs of disease such as foul brood, it’s important to take action immediately.

Conclusion

Winter is a critical time for honeybees, and as a beekeeper, it’s your responsibility to ensure their health and survival during this season. By monitoring their food stores, keeping the hive insulated, and reducing disturbance, you can help your colony make it through to spring. Regular inspections in late autumn and early winter, while maintaining a careful, hands-off approach during the coldest months, will give your bees the best chance of emerging strong and healthy when the weather warms up. Happy beekeeping!