Wraps and Fondant

I've probably said this before but honey bees do not hibernate and bees at the centre of the cluster are quite mobile and maintain their warmth by flexing their flying muscles. The centre of the cluster of bees is still quite warm - 29C compared with a normal temperature of ~35C.

Bees on the outside of the cluster are much more densely packed and appear motionless or even dead. However gradually the outside bees migrate to the centre of the cluster to be replaced by the warm bees. A bit like penguins.

Although the bees are settled in for the winter, there are still things to do that can help them.
As with most things there are a wide range of different views about winter insulation and a wide range of different materials that can be used. The issue around insulation is that a balance has to be struck between no insulation and possibly the bees die and too much where the bees are kept too warm and continue to be active and consume stores too quickly.

I have settled into a regular routine as regards winter care and touch wood I have been reasonably successful.
To insulate the hive I use wraps that are sheets of plasticised material that is wrapped around the hive.
To supplement the stores they have built up I give them blocks of baker's fondant.

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