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Wintering Bees: High Insulation and Bottom Entrance Success

  • 11 Jan 2026
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In this video transcript, a beekeeper shares the results of a 2019 wintering experiment designed to improve colony consistency and size. By adopting techniques from experienced beekeepers like Rick Williams, the creator moved away from traditional upper hive entrances in favor of heavy top insulation and sealed seams. This method mimics the natural thermal regulation found in wild bee trees, keeping the heat trapped inside while relying solely on a bottom entrance for airflow. The author reports a zero percent loss rate for the season, noting that his hives emerged in the spring with significantly larger, healthier clusters than in previous years. Although some minor mold buildup occurred in a small fraction of the boxes, the overall vitality of the bees suggests that superior insulation is a vital supplement to standard nutrition and disease management.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoZpv0PcMhg



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