In Atlanta, cold 20°F temperatures arrived on Christmas Day and the ensemble of 11 arctic oscillation forecast a large negative downturn. I used these metrics as significant evidence that winter temperatures are here to stay. Since 2010, I have reused my NOD Bee Cozy R8 insulated hive wraps and believe hive wraps improved the chance of overwintered bee hive survival. As a lazy (aka stubborn) beekeeper and despite warm winter fluctuations, I'll leave the Bee Cozy on till spring 2021.
Photo shows joined hives - overwintered hive below and a March 23rd spring swarm capture above an open Cloake Board. The bee cozy is designed for 10-frame equipment, so it easily slipped over the Bloake Board without removing 8-frame boxes.
I'm encouraged to see warm moist air (bee respiration) condense outside the hive at the top vent and Cloake Board Entrance.
Here are current the hive elements:
- screen bottom board with no counting board insert
- NOD Bee Cozy R8 insulated hive wraps surrounding the May 25 hive reorganization
- inner cover with top notch up ventilation
- two 3/4 inch sheets of XPS foam board insulation between inner cover and telescoping cover
- white corrugated plastic sheet overhang
- concrete pavers on top
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