Last winter, I knew a new beekeeper who ran into a tough problem.
His very first colony was thriving in the fall, but when spring came and he opened the hive, most of the bees were gone. The reason was simple — the temperature dropped too low, and the colony burned through its honey stores just to stay warm. In the end, they couldn’t survive the harsh winter.
Unfortunately, this story isn’t uncommon. For bees, temperature is a lifeline.
Why is Winter Temperature So Important?
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Protecting the Queen: In winter, bees form a cluster to keep warm. The core of that cluster must stay between 90–95°F (32–35°C) to protect the queen and any brood.
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Reducing Energy Loss: When it gets too cold, bees shiver their wings constantly to generate heat, which quickly drains their honey reserves and increases the risk of starvation.
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Avoiding Moisture Problems: Cold weather often brings dampness. Condensation inside the hive can chill the bees, making them sick or even causing colony losses.
What Can Beekeepers Do?
Besides ensuring there’s enough honey, one of the most important steps is helping the hive stay insulated. That’s why more and more beekeepers are turning to hive wraps.
Hive wraps can:
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Block cold winds and reduce heat loss
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Help bees maintain a stable cluster temperature with less effort
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Prevent moisture issues while being durable and waterproof
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Significantly improve winter survival rates
Give Your Bees a Warm Winter
If you don’t want your bees to struggle through the cold, a hive wrap is a simple yet powerful solution. On our website, you’ll find high-quality winter hive wraps designed for both 8-frame and 10-frame hives. They’re easy to install, weather-resistant, and built to help your colonies make it through the cold season.
Make this winter less of a challenge for your bees — and the start of a stronger, healthier colony in spring.
