As summer fades and the first hints of autumn arrive, Nova Scotia beekeepers should prepare their colonies for the long winter ahead. Honey bees do not hibernate. Instead, they form a tight cluster inside the hive, generating heat and slowly moving through their stored honey until spring. Good preparation now can make the difference between a thriving colony in spring and an empty hive.
One of the most important considerations is food. A strong colony needs ample honey stores to survive months when little or no forage is available. Beekeepers should assess the weight and food reserves of each hive in early fall. Colonies that are light may require supplemental feeding with concentrated sugar syrup while temperatures are still warm enough for bees to process and store it.
Equally important is colony health. Varroa mites are among the greatest threats to overwintering honey bees, which means they must be vigilantly monitored and managed using appropriate treatments. Going into winter with healthy, long-lived winter bees gives the colony a much better chance of surviving until spring.
Nova Scotia’s winters present another challenge: moisture. Bees can tolerate cold remarkably well when they remain dry, but condensation inside the hive can be dangerous. Warm, moist air produced by the cluster can rise, condense on cold surfaces, and drip back onto the bees. Proper insulation, ventilation, and moisture management can help keep the colony protected.
Beekeepers should also reduce entrances to discourage mice and other unwanted winter visitors, while ensuring bees can still exit the hive. Hives should be secure against strong coastal winds and positioned so entrances are not easily blocked by snow or ice.
Once cold weather settles in, resist the temptation to repeatedly open the hive. Instead, periodically check entrances and observe the colony from outside.
Winter survival begins long before the snow flies. Healthy bees, sufficient food, careful varroa management, and protection from moisture and wind give colonies their best opportunity to greet another Nova Scotia spring.
For beekeepers, autumn preparation is more than closing the hive for winter—it is an investment in next year’s bees, blossoms, and honey.
By Dr. Meg Patterson, Master Beekeeper
