Different world down here in FL. When I left NY my hives were covered in snow.
A solid 82 degrees and sun down here. I think my bees would die of heat stress. down here.
Whilst polar opposites in ambient conditions there are
commonalities which could assist colonies in either location to
survive.
I am putting together a "dissertation" from knowledge gathered
over time and recent pertinent information from Tom Seeley,
Ken Warchol and others. Hopefully the work will offer choices
in wintering whether within a shed or the yard.
Currently, after a period of soaking/flushing rain, we are now experiencing
unusualy high temps for Feburary. No dramas as yet for my Lang stacks
as those are well ventilated. Yet what is very noticable is the new
polystyrene housed colonies are doing no fanning beyond pheromone
waving during orientation flights whereas the Langs hold the usual
numbers at the entrance (full width) all employed fanning. Neither have any
bearding happening. Temp is ranging from 29C @8:00AM to 37C @1:00PM.
Humidity runs from 42% to 65% at dusk.
These conditions at this time - immediately after rain - are most stressfull
for bees trying to recover from a brood break. Beek's to theSouth of me are
reporting similar stresses allbeit cooler afternoon temperatures and higher
humidity levels.
Bill