11/29/2025
This year, I'm experimenting with a self-developed approach for managing my hives.
❄️🐝 Winter Hive Care Tip: Creating Alternative Entrances for Bees 🐝❄️
Winter can pose big challenges for our colonies — from snow-blocked lower entrances to moisture and drafts. To help my Langstroth hives, I mounted a candy / insulation board on top of the stack, drilled 3/8‑inch holes, and stuffed them with small balls of rolled‑up newspaper. This gives the bees an emergency upper entrance they can use if the main entry is buried. ❄️
Why this works:
 Bee‑friendly size: 3/8" openings let workers pass while limiting larger pests.
 Removable plugs: The lightweight newspaper can be pushed out by the bees when they need an exit.
 Propolis option: If they don’t remove the paper, bees will often propolize (coat or seal) it — reducing drafts and improving insulation. They may either propolize the plug closed for warmth or chew/push it out later to regain an exit as conditions change.
 Ventilation and moisture control: An upper opening helps airflow and reduces condensation inside the hive.
In the photo below you can see our hives in a snowy setting — elevated on concrete blocks for drainage and fitted with the emergency top openings. Share your winterizing tips or questions!
