I've been at this "hobby" for 5 years. So far, I haven't had a hive make it through the winter. They either freeze, starve, wax moths take over, swarm or whatever the cause, they don't make it. This year, I'm thinking this will be the year! I have 2 hives, somewhat similar. Both only have 2 boxes. One a breeder box, the other a full honey super. Both wrapped in Beecozy. I was feeding them with a heavy syrup mixture and when that ran out I switched to a homemade emergency feeder with sugar bricks. I changed that last month when it was 42 degrees and the bees were active inside the hive, not out and actually attacked me. (Silly me thinking they were dormant in this Michigan weather of straight 35 degrees prior..)
Before I wrapped them for the winter I took the 3rd super off each because they they only had a few frames partially filled with honey. Not enough at all to use as feed and the Beecozy only covers 2 supers. Anyway, I put these frames in a big Tupperware container that is airtight and I stored it inside. Today, I see all these wax moths (the flying type) inside. I know from experience, wax moth take over a weak hive. I tell ya, those 2 hives, at least the 2 boxes I covered are strong. I can't mess with them during this Michigan winter but can anyone tell me what I can expect in the Spring? Any instructions when I first open the hives?
Needless to say, I'm freezing those...darn things outside in the Tupperware container they hatched in.
Thanks for getting back with me,
Art