Winter Hive Inspections | What to Look For, Without Disturbing Your Bees

As temperatures drop and winter settles in, beekeepers face the critical task of ensuring their hives remain safe and functional without disturbing the delicate winter cluster. Winter hive inspections are not about actively digging into the hive but rather observing and addressing subtle external cues that indicate the health and survival of your colony. Here’s how to conduct winter inspections effectively, what to look for, and how to take action without opening the hive.

Why Winter Inspections Matter

Winter is a time of vulnerability for honeybees. As they cluster together to stay warm and survive the cold, they need proper food reserves, good hive ventilation, and protection from moisture buildup. External hive inspections can help beekeepers catch issues early, ensuring the colony makes it through to spring in a healthy state. By looking at external signs rather than opening the hive, beekeepers can avoid disturbing the bees' carefully maintained winter environment.

1. Observe Flight Activity on Warm Days

Occasionally during winter, there may be a few warmer days when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C). On these rare days, bees often conduct “cleansing flights” to relieve themselves outside the hive. Take note of any activity around the entrance:

• Flight Activity: Bees leaving the hive and returning suggests the colony is alive and functioning. Limited or no activity may not be a problem, but no activity on multiple warm days could mean a dead colony.

• Bee Droppings: Yellow-brown spots around the entrance are normal and indicate cleansing flights. Excessive staining, however, could indicate a dysentery issue or a problem with hive ventilation.

2. Check for Dead Bees Outside the Entrance

Finding dead bees outside the hive in winter is natural and generally not a cause for alarm. Bees naturally expel older or weaker bees during colder months to conserve resources for the core of the colony.

• Natural Mortality: A small number of dead bees around the entrance is expected. Gently clear these away if they are blocking the entrance.

• Excessive Deaths: If there’s an unusually high pile of dead bees, it might indicate disease or starvation within the colony. Consider further inspection or support.

3. Monitor Moisture Levels and Ventilation

Moisture inside the hive can be as dangerous as the cold, as damp conditions lead to mold and chill the bees. Proper ventilation prevents excess condensation:

• Inspect for Mold: Gently lift the hive cover on a dry day to see if there’s any visible mold or moisture buildup. If so, consider adding a quilt box or moisture board to absorb excess moisture.

• Ensure Adequate Ventilation: A small ventilation opening can help prevent condensation without letting too much cold air in. Ensure that ventilation ports or notches on the inner cover are unobstructed.

4. Assess Hive Weight and Food Stores

A well-prepared hive should have enough honey stores to get the colony through winter. Checking the weight of the hive by gently lifting it from the back or sides gives an indication of remaining food reserves:

• Light Hive: If a hive feels light in January or February, the bees may be low on honey stores. At this point, consider adding a sugar brick or fondant as an emergency food source.

• Heavy Hive: A heavier hive generally indicates that there are still ample stores, which is a good sign that the bees have what they need.

5. Listen for Colony Sounds

One simple yet effective method to check if your bees are alive without opening the hive is to listen for them. Place your ear against the hive (or use a stethoscope) and gently tap on the hive body:

• Low, Steady Buzz: A gentle, low humming sound indicates that the colony is clustered and alive. This is a positive sign, especially in the coldest months.

• Silence or Loud, Erratic Noise: Silence could mean that the hive is empty or the colony has perished. An unusually loud buzzing could signal agitation, which may mean an issue with temperature or ventilation.

6. Check for Signs of Pests and Predators

Even in winter, predators like mice and pests such as Varroa mites can wreak havoc on hives. Inspect the entrance and exterior of the hive for signs of trouble:

• Mouse Guards: If you haven’t already, consider installing mouse guards to keep rodents from entering. Look for signs of gnawing or droppings around the entrance, which could indicate a mouse presence.

• Varroa Mite Levels: While direct mite treatment should typically be done in fall or late winter, monitor for signs of mite damage or debris near the entrance. Sticky boards under the hive can help monitor mite levels, although this may be challenging in freezing temperatures.

7. Inspect the Entrance Reducer and Entrance Blockage

Proper ventilation is essential during winter to prevent moisture buildup and provide bees with fresh air. Top entrances allow moisture to escape, reducing the risk of condensation dripping onto the bees.

• Using Top Ventilation Entrances: A small notch or vent hole at the top of the hive provides ventilation without letting in cold drafts. Blythewood Bee Company offers inner covers with pre-made notches or holes for optimal ventilation.

• Benefits for Winter Hives: Top entrances help with airflow, allowing warm, moist air to escape without compromising the hive’s heat, ensuring the bees’ environment remains dry and habitable.

8. Winter Hive Stands and Wind Barriers

A winter hive stand lifts the hive off the cold ground, while a wind barrier protects it from strong, icy winds that could chill the colony.

• Hive Stands: Elevating the hive can protect it from ground moisture, reducing the risk of mold or cold air seeping in from the bottom.

• Wind Barriers: Positioning windbreaks, like bales of straw or wind panels, around the hive protects it from direct exposure to harsh winter winds.

Winter hive maintenance requires a specific set of tools and approaches that differ from warmer seasons. From insulation wraps and moisture boards to bee fondant and hive tools, Blythewood Bee Company offers the essential equipment needed to support a colony’s survival during winter. With the right tools and a proactive approach, beekeepers can confidently manage their hives through the coldest months, ensuring a healthy, vibrant colony ready to thrive in spring.

For a full range of beekeeping equipment, including winter maintenance tools, visit here.