Totally agree that location is a major consideration as to how to winterize. An observation. I'd be interested to see what happened in your home if you taped shut all the soffits around the lower roof line above the insulation. Also interesting is that safety experts recommend CO2 detectors in home even with opening doors and air exchange through soffits. Another tidbit is that 1" of wood shavings has an average R2 insulating factor.
I’m a fourth year hobby beekeeper in Minnesota. The past two winters I’ve covered my two hives with 3” pink rigid insulation. I built a top cover that also has 3” insulation. No upper vent. My ladies have survived and thrived through two harsh Minnesota winters, now going into their third. Insulation, mite control, and plenty of food are the keys. I’m familiar with your part of the country, lived in Greenville, Illinois for a couple years long ago.
I'm in Southern Maine , I have my hives 90% covered with 2 inch foam Top and sides. Not insulating a hive is like trying to heat a tarpaper shack, You can do it but it takes a LOT of energy.
Yes. I have the front entrance mostly open, but with front mouse guards. This video, th-cam.com/video/NO2RQE_1lYo/w-d-xo.html , shows how I make them on my 3D printer. Obviously, very few have a 3D printer, but it will show you what I use as an entrance in the winter.
We are in Arkansas and I am putting together a beehive shed. It will be temperature controlled all year round. Also with pvc down spout out the finished walls in the back. Really looking forward to it. I'm not saying this is any better then anyone else's way of keeping bees. Just thought I would share this idea. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Totally agree that location is a major consideration as to how to winterize. An observation. I'd be interested to see what happened in your home if you taped shut all the soffits around the lower roof line above the insulation. Also interesting is that safety experts recommend CO2 detectors in home even with opening doors and air exchange through soffits. Another tidbit is that 1" of wood shavings has an average R2 insulating factor.
I’m a fourth year hobby beekeeper in Minnesota. The past two winters I’ve covered my two hives with 3” pink rigid insulation. I built a top cover that also has 3” insulation. No upper vent. My ladies have survived and thrived through two harsh Minnesota winters, now going into their third. Insulation, mite control, and plenty of food are the keys.
I’m familiar with your part of the country, lived in Greenville, Illinois for a couple years long ago.
That's what bees in trees and crevices have done for millions of years. And it works!
Do you have pics?
I'm in Southern Maine , I have my hives 90% covered with 2 inch foam Top and sides. Not insulating a hive is like trying to heat a tarpaper shack, You can do it but it takes a LOT of energy.
Sorry, new here. Do you leave any opening anywhere so they can get out to relieve themselves when needed?
Yes. I have the front entrance mostly open, but with front mouse guards. This video, th-cam.com/video/NO2RQE_1lYo/w-d-xo.html , shows how I make them on my 3D printer. Obviously, very few have a 3D printer, but it will show you what I use as an entrance in the winter.
@@sweetsadiehoney Thank you very much. I thought that was the case but have seen others leaving the top vent hole open.
We are in Arkansas and I am putting together a beehive shed. It will be temperature controlled all year round. Also with pvc down spout out the finished walls in the back. Really looking forward to it. I'm not saying this is any better then anyone else's way of keeping bees. Just thought I would share this idea. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!!