seasonal · beginner
Winter Preparation
What to do in fall so your bees survive January.
The October checklist
Winter losses are usually traceable to October mistakes. Here's what matters:
- Mite treatment by mid-September so winter bees aren't infected.
- Adequate stores: 60-80 lb of honey for the Eastern US, more in the upper Midwest.
- Reduced entrance + mouse guard before the first hard frost.
- Wind block if your apiary is exposed.
- Insulate the top to absorb condensation — wet bees die faster than cold bees.
That's the whole list. Don't overthink it.