Wintering Practices Effects

From Medhat E.Nasr, Ph. D., IPM development reports to the Apiculture and Pollination Sub-Committee of the Ontario Horticultural Crops Research and Services Committee (OHCRSC) of the Ontario Agricultural Services Co-ordinating Committee, 1991 and 2000

1999 Report, Section II B. #2

Testing Wintering Systems for Providing Protection to Overwintered Bee Colonies in Ontario

 A field evaluation of different methods of wrapping honey bee colonies for protection during the winter months was conducted in 4 locations; South-Western Ontario (Guelph), Northern Ontario (New Liskeard), Eastern Ontario (Moose Creek), and South-Central Ontario (Wooler/Ontario). The wintering Methods tested were the Western Wrap (WW)1, the Dussen (VD) Wrap2, the Davies (BD) method3, tar paper wrap (TW), cardboard sleeve (CS) and an indoor overwintering facility with controlled temperature (7º C). Control colonies were kept without added winter protection.

HOBO data loggers were placed in and on top of the honey cluster, to record changes in temperature and relative humidity.  Data loggers were also placed in the center of the 4 colony cluster which were placed in the wrapping system of WW and BD. The cluster size and the stored food were determined before and after treatment in all the experimental colonies.  A score of 1-5 was given to each cluster based on the number of frames covered with bees (1 for 2 frames covered with bees and 5 for 9-10 frames covered with bees).

Results showed providing protection to bee colonies helped bees to conserve food consumption over the winter months. Overall, the BD method was very consistent in all test areas, with respect to both temperature and humidity. The WW was effective in all areas except for the South-West, where the colonies experienced high temperatures. This may have resulted in significantly reduced cluster size. The VD showed consistent temperature control, but humidity levels were consistently high in all test areas. This high humidity could be reduced by increasing the size of the top entrance in the inner cover, though more testing will be required. The TW and CB were not as effective as overwintering methods. The temperature over the bee cluster was significantly lower in the TW and CB systems in comparison to the temperature over the bee cluster in the other tested wintering systems. For handling and time required to install the system, VD system required the least time followed by the CB,TW, BD. The Western wrap required the longest time (20 min/4 hives).

1. Designed for four double story hives. Woven poly tarp material with sewn in insulation wrapped around four colonies slid tight together on a pallet. A plastic barrel liner bag, 4 ml, was filled approximately 2/3 full with polystyrene peanuts, top rolled and stapled shut, to create a hive top insulation bag. This top insulation bag was placed on the hives, the outer woven insulated poly tarp folded down onto it, and a 4 foot by 4 foot hardboard sheet set on top and tied down, arcing the sheet to drain precipitation. Holes were cut through the poly tarp for upper entrances, and were held in place with a nailed on wooden cleats . ed.

2. Designed for individual hives. Consisting of an outer wrap of ploy tubing and fiber glass, and an inner cover pad set inside a wooden rim with a built in offset bee entrance tunnel. Available in single, 1.5, and double storey hives. Were called VanderDussen winter wraps, now called Bee Cozies. ed.

3. Designed for four to eight single storey hives. Consisting of a wooden crate slid down over a four hive footprint pallet, hives can be stacked two high within crate. Crate then filled with wooden shavings, wooden telescoping cover placed on top. ed. 

2000 Report, Section II B. #2

Impacts of tracheal mites (Acarapis woodi) on the respiration and thermoregulation of overwintering honey bee colonies in a temperate climate

In partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Sciences, A. Skinner conducted a research projects which fitted in the objectives of the Tech-transfer program. The summary of the M. Sc. thesis is included.

Summary

The impact of the tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi) on the respiration, thermoregulation and wintering of honey bees was investigated. The oxygen consumption rate (ml O2/bee/hr) after acclimatizing to 15ºC was significantly lower for individual tracheal mite infested bees (8.93 ± 0.07) than for non-infested bees (9.82 ± 0.07). The oxygen consumption rate after acclimatization to 24ºC and to 5ºC was significantly lower for clusters (≈200 bees) of tracheal mite infested bees than for non-infested bees. Tracheal mite infested colonies had significantly lower core cluster temperatures in comparison to non-infested colonies. For winter protection of bee colonies, the indoor wintering facility and the Davies system offered more protection than did the waxed cardboard boxes and the tar paper wrap. A spring application of formic acid reduced mite infestation by 93%. Microencapsulated menthol (MEM) reduced mite infestation by 50%. Neither treatment significantly effected bee and colony mortality nor the number of bees and the amount of brood. Lowering tracheal mite prevalence prior to winter and providing an efficient wintering system reduced the negative effects that tracheal mites have on the oxygen consumptions rates of honey bees thus improving their thermoregulatory ability and their survivorship.

Last Updated on May 16, 2008

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