Beehive Insulation
The cold months of Winter are a challenging time for honey bee colonies. Beekeepers in harsh climates often prepare to insulate their beehives before bitter cold arrives. But, do all beekeepers need to use beehive insulation for Winter? No—but in some climates, insulation can help a colony survive.This guide aims to help you understand why hive insulation is used and the basics of how to do a proper job.
In my region, (upstate South Carolina) hive insulation is not really necessary. My general feeling is that done properly, it does no harm and may be a useful part of winterizing your beehives – even if you don’t live in a harsh climate.
How Insulation Helps a Winter Beehive
There are several reasons that applying a bit of insulation to your hives can help your bees. Modern Langstroth hives are made to specific dimensions and those wooden walls are not very thick. (Honestly, doesn’t it seem that wood is just not what it used to be?)
I am sure the R value (insulation talk) of those pine boards is not even close to that of the thick walls of a hollow tree.
Of course, bees do some home insulation of their own. They collect plant resins and convert them into bee propolis, which is used to seal cracks and keep out cold wind.
Helps Moderate Temperature Swings
Honey bees survive winter by consuming stored honey and generating heat. They don’t heat the entire hive. Instead, the bees cluster together and generate heat where they need it.
Insulation slows heat transfer through the hive walls and can protect the colony from bitter cold and wild temperature swings.
A more stable environment may also help the colony conserve energy and stored food. I always worry about my bees running out of honey before the end of Winter.
Regardless of insulation, a colony must have adequate honey stores to make it through the cold months.
May Promote Earlier Brood Rearing
Personally, I have found that properly insulated hives tend to begin brood rearing earlier than those that are not wrapped.
Perhaps the wrapped hives are less affected by late-season cold snaps. These sudden temperature changes can be especially challenging for smaller colonies trying to keep young brood warm.
Do You Need to Insulate Your Beehive?
Many of you live in climates where Winter is not especially harsh or long. So, how do you decide whether or not to bother with hive insulation?
Consider Your Climate
Consider your local climate and what a “normal” Winter means in your area.
For these local aspects of beekeeping, always check with a local beekeeping association.
What do most of the successful beekeepers in your area do?
If you live in the northernmost states, chances are you are more likely to need wrapped hives. Don’t base your decision on one unusually cold night – consider how cold your Winters are and how long that cold weather lasts.
Colony Strength & Health
The health and size of your colony also matter. In general, larger populations are better able to sustain themselves over the cold months, while smaller clusters may benefit from some extra protection.
However, insulation can’t make an unhealthy colony ready for Winter. A healthy colony with adequate food stores is always the goal.
Insulation can help by keeping interior hive surfaces warmer, but you still need a way to manage excess moisture.
The goal is not to create a drafty hive. Instead, you want to prevent excessive moisture buildup without exposing the colony to unnecessary cold air.
Types of Beehive Insulation
Beekeepers use many different types of materials to insulate their hives. You don’t need anything fancy, but whatever you choose should be weather-resistant, securely attached.
Hive Wraps
Insulation wraps come in different materials. They are often dark in color (to warm in the sun) and wrap completely around the hive before attaching with grips or tape.
Materials inside the wrap add to the R value of the hive wall. I have even known beekeepers who wrapped their hives in black roofing paper!
These are relatively inexpensive and last for several years. It is important to install wraps in a way that still allows some air flow. Don’t block the hive entrance.
Foam Boards
Foam boards can be cut to fit your particular hive configuration and secured with sturdy tape or straps. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to work with.
Just make sure everything is secure. Winter wind can make short work of loosely fitted foam board.
Be sure the pieces are securely attached. Winter wind can make short work of loosely fitted foam board.
Hive Cozies
Hive cozies are specially designed covers that fit around the hive. Depending on the product, they may contain insulating materials such as polyester or foam.
These are the type of hive wraps that I use when needed. The cost is rather dear, but mine have lasted for several years and are still going strong.
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If you decide to purchase bee wraps, make sure you select the size that fits your beehive. Also, look for reviews before buying.
Natural Materials
Natural materials such as straw, wood shavings and other dry plant materials can also provide insulation. They are generally inexpensive and biodegradable.
However, they can attract insects, rodents and other pests looking for a warm Winter home. Keep the materials dry and consider using a mouse guard where rodents are a concern.
How to Properly Wrap a Beehive
Regardless of the method you choose, install your hive insulation around the time of the first hard freeze in your area.
(I delay and plan my wraps on in late November because I know the temperatures will bounce up and down a lot. That’s where the “know your local conditions” info comes in handy)
1. Place the insulation on your hive and secure it in some way that will stand up to the wet, windy weather conditions of Winter. This may be sturdy tape, Velcro and even metal staples.
2. Check the hive entrance to ensure that it is not blocked. Bees will want to leave the hive on nice days. Also, fresh air needs to be able to enter the hive.
3. Check your ventilation needs. Perhaps you will use a quilt box on top of the hive to absorb excess moisture. In moderate climates, beekeepers put a couple of popsicle or craft sticks under the outer lid to create air flow.
4. You can also add a shim (ring of wood similar to a super hive box but only 1” – 2” tall – with an entrance. This can be placed near the top of the hive to allow moist air to leave the hive. This is optional.
FAQs
There is no single temperature that works for every location. Consider your normal Winter conditions and follow the practices of successful beekeepers in your area. I generally wait until after the first hard freeze.
Top insulation can help keep the surface above the bee cluster warmer and reduce condensation overhead. The amount needed depends on your climate and hive setup.
Remove temporary wraps when prolonged cold weather has passed in your area. Let your local weather—not a specific calendar date—be your guide.
Final Thoughts
In South Carolina, I do not always use beehive insulation. I don’t consider it a necessity in my climate. But, I do use it when I feel a colony may benefit from a little extra protection – small population, bitter cold front expected etc. As with so many things in beekeeping, consider your climate, your bees and what works best for you.
First off bought and love your book!!
I’m a first year beek, in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, and am wondering how much winterizing I need for my hives. I built quilt boxes, moisture boards, and have the polystyrene for the top if needed. My question how much do I need so I don’t overheat Or freeze the bees
Thank Craig. You should not need to go to any extremes for Winter. Quilt boxes can help prevent moisture buildup inside. Other than that – make sure they are healthy (varroa control) and have good honey stores and you should not need to worry too much about cold. I leave my screened bottom boards open except for late Nov thru Feb when I pull the grid out – I really don’t have to do that but it works so I keep on!
Did a lot of research on subject of insulation for our local bee herder club last fall and found a lot of surprising information. Insulation is very common in HOT climates like Egypt and Libya for example. Why? Insulation keeps hives cool! There is a lot of research on the NET showing that insulation increases winter and summer honey reserves by 30%. Look it up! Also insulation is very common in Europe, especially bottom insulation—-look at original langstrum patten and you will see room for 8 inches of insulation on bottom.
I am a hobby BeeHaver and build my hives with 2.25 in lumber. I think insulation makes for a cooler hive in the Summer and a warmer hive in the Winter. I make insulated vent boxes to go on top of the super. This provides insulation with a means for excess moisture to leave .I use 3 inches of Dog hair as insulation. I only have 2 Langs and all my new colonies will be housed in TBH (insulated of course ). BTW ..I took your online course 3 years ago and enjoy your articles very much.
Hi Thanks so much. Yea I think using thicker wood is a good option. I’ve never thought of using dog hair but I like the idea of being more sustainable! Best wishes for your continued success.