preparing a single box hive for winter

[yolanda huang]

I caught a swarm this year, and right now it is a single deep box, 10 frame hive.  This week, 8 of the 10 frames had some brood, not super regular pattern, with capped honey and some bee bread.  About 70% of the combs were used.  The other 2 end frames only had honey, no brood.  Very low mite count (2 in last sugar roll test).  I have oxalic acid strips hanging.

Anything I should do to get it ready for winter?

Yolanda

[Mimi]

Yolanda - seems like your hive is doing well.  All you need to do for winter is consider if it needs extra insulation for cold or moisture barrier top for winter.  Oakland hills and places that tends to have fog at night need a moisture barrier top and better insulation.  Where I live in Pleasanton that’s only necessary on wet winters / El Niño years.  Currently a warmer La Niña winter is expected for 2025.  With two frames of honey, winter feeding is not necessary, but some beeks swear by pollen patties.  My bees don’t touch old bee bread or patties and patties only attract SHB and ants.  If you live near large Eucalyptus trees you should check on warm winter day to see if your bees are being honey bound (too full of honey for Queen to lay).   Good luck.  Mimi

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 5, 2025, at 1:15 PM, yolanda huang <yogre...@gmail.com> wrote:

I caught a swarm this year, and right now it is a single deep box, 10 frame hive.  This week, 8 of the 10 frames had some brood, not super regular pattern, with capped honey and some bee bread.  About 70% of the combs were used.  The other 2 end frames only had honey, no brood.  Very low mite count (2 in last sugar roll test).  I have oxalic acid strips hanging.

Anything I should do to get it ready for winter?

Yolanda

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