Winterizing the beehive

Today is November 7th in Southern Vermont.  We have snow in the forecast for tonight so earlier today I tried to insulate my hives beyond the bales of hay surrounding three sides.

I bought a roll of tar paper, or roofing paper, and stapled it around it, leaving just the entrance uncovered.

Then, under the inner cover, I added a piece of foam insulation to hold in the heat.  Then, to channel any water from condensation  down and away from the bees, I tilted the top cover slightly so it would run off.

 I did the same thing for the small nuc hive and tucked it right next to the bigger one.  The bales of hay were put back into place.  Now I think I'm all set with them except periodically checking on food and brushing away any dead bees from the entrance.

Fondant for feeding bees

While I was in there, I replenished their food (the fondant) and brushed any dead bees away from the entrance on the large hive.
Notice how thick the fondant is. It stays this taffy-like consistency and the bees lick it off.

I also was going to remove the electric fence from around the hives, a seasonal remedy for bears.  I thought they must be in hibernation.  I was wrong.  My neighbor told me the bear visited their suet just a few days ago. So today, I need to get more batteries because I noticed there's no more charge.  I will take care of this today.

Now, a day later, there was no snow here at all.  I saw a few flakes this morning and that's all.  But I'm glad I got the hives set for the winter anyway.

I will get a wreath to decorate it for Christmas and probably leave it up until spring.