All our colonies are set for the coming winter. Honeybees seldom fly during the cold months and only take cleansing flights (toilet breaks!) on dry sunny days. Although the bees are very good at maintaining the temperature (32c-24c) inside the hive by thermoregulation, we do give them a helping hand with insulation under the roof and around the outside walls.
We place mouseguards over the entrance of each hive allowing bees to venture in and out but preventing mice looking for a cosy winter home!
We will be checking the weight of each hive, ensuring the bees have enough food stores to see them through to next Spring.