Wintering
Overwintering, checking stock availability and choosing a suitable wintering location is crucial for colony survival, health and viability.
One of the most important aspects for the well-being of the colony during overwintering is the right amount of space. Bees should only be kept on the number of frames they can cover by reducing the space in the hive with a divider.
It is also necessary to reduce the space of the hive entrance. During the winter, bees only need adequate food supplies. Stocks must be checked periodically either by visits to the apiary or by electronic scales. It would be advisable to always have into the hives at least 2 kg of food supply available, intervening as needed with rescue nutrition, which can be administered with honey frames or candy. The choice of wintering location is also important. The ideal location should be sunny, protected from prevailing winds and in areas where there is no moisture stagnation. In addition, the location must always be accessible by farm vehicles to allow visits and feeding interventions in a timely manner.
Warnings: May depend on the regulations in force in the given country.
Please check out the B-THENET Platform for the Best Beekeeping Practices tailored to each country, co-developed with practicing beekeepers in the National B-THENET Centres of those countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden).
BEST PRACTICES AND INNOVATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE BEEKEEPING
Ongoing | 2022-2026
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden