Winter is Coming
Hello Honey Fans and Bee Enthusiasts,
It may seem a bit early, but now is the time to start preparing for winter. What you do now can determine whether you will have a successful spring. In this article, we break down the steps for winter prep.
Let’s dive in.
TOPIC OF THE MONTH
Winter Prep
Overwintering Hives in South Georgia.
When the days get shorter and the nectar flow slows down, your bees start shifting from “make honey” mode to “make it through winter” mode. A little preparation now can mean the difference between opening a thriving hive in spring—or finding an empty box.
Here’s a practical, beekeeper-tested checklist to help you winterize your colonies the right way.
1) Start with an honest hive check
Before you add wraps, reducers, or extra feed, take one last thorough look at each colony.
Queen status: Look for a solid brood pattern and fresh eggs if temps allow.
Population: A strong winter cluster matters more than a perfect-looking box.
Temperament and activity: A sudden drop in activity can signal trouble.
If a hive is weak, consider combining it with another colony rather than trying to “save it” with gear alone.
2) Confirm food stores (then plan your backup)
Bees don’t starve because it’s cold—they starve because they run out of accessible food.
Check weight: A quick lift from the back tells you a lot.
Look for capped honey: You want enough stores above and around the cluster.
Avoid late-season honey harvesting: If you’re on the fence, leave it for the bees.
If stores are light, feeding can help—just match the method to your weather window and local best practices.
3) Reduce entrances and keep pests in check
As forage disappears, colonies become more vulnerable to robbing and pests.
Install an entrance reducer to help the bees defend the hive.
Watch for small hive beetles and other pests that can take advantage of a shrinking population.
Keep the apiary tidy: Old comb, sticky equipment, and open honey attract trouble.
4) Manage moisture like it’s your job (because it is)
Cold is survivable. Damp is deadly.
Improve ventilation without creating a direct draft on the cluster.
Fix leaks and cracks in lids and boxes.
Consider a moisture-management setup (like an absorbent layer above the inner cover) if your winters are wet.
A simple rule: if you see condensation dripping inside the hive, you’re already behind.
5) Tighten up the hive: space, insulation, and wind
Winter is not the season for “extra room.” Bees heat the cluster, not the whole box.
Remove empty supers and reduce unnecessary space.
Ensure boxes are snug and level so rain sheds properly.
Add wind protection (natural or man-made) if your yard is exposed.
In many climates, a little insulation and windbreak go a long way.
6) Make your spring easier now
A few small tasks in fall can save you hours later.
Label and note each hive’s status (strong/medium/weak, stores, temperament).
Prep equipment (clean boxes, frames, feeders) while you still have decent weather.
Plan your first spring inspection so you’re ready when the first warm day hits.
The bottom line:
Winter prep isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things at the right time. Strong colonies, adequate stores, pest control, and moisture management are the big four.
If you want more beekeeping guides (and some of the world’s best raw, artisanal honey), keep an eye on World of Honey News. We’ll be sharing seasonal tips all year long.
“Don’t wait for winter to start preparing for winter. A successful spring is determined by what you do in the fall.”
Apiary Update
Sylvester, Georgia:
Here’s what’s happening in my world of bees right now:
Buckfast Queen Breeding has come to an end for this season.
Winter preparations have begun.
Goldenrod is just beginning to bloom.
Reader Q&A
Q: “I keep seeing Sidr Honey on the best honey lists. What is it?”
A: Great question—and you’re not the only one asking.
Sidr Honey is a luxurious honey produced in Yemen.
Sidr Honey does not crystalize.
Medicinal Benefits of Sidr Honey:
High levels of flavonoids and phenolic acids neutralize cell-damaging free radicals in the body.
Traditional and modern uses show it helps calm stomach ulcers, digestive inflammation, and gut issues.
We finally have Sidr Honey back in stock! If you’ve been waiting, now is the time to order.
Shopping
Want to try this month’s featured honey?
Sidr Honey is on sale now:
https://worldofhoney.com/products/sidr-honey-luxury-honey-from-yemen/
Thanks for being here—and for supporting small-scale beekeeping and the wider world of incredible honey.
Until next time,
Joe Willingham
World of Honey
PS: Want your question featured next time? Reply with “Q:” and your question, and I might pick it for the next issue.