There is often some good weather left in November between cold snaps, and the bees continue to bring in pollen–maybe too much! Old foragers, worn out after a hard-working life, may fly off at this time and not return. Time for the beekeeper to ready the hives for the coming winter.

• Wrap hives with Mylar foil padding or other insulating material to protect against cold weather, leaving a vertical space for entry holes in the front (Figures 1-2).
• You can secure bamboo screen to vertically set pallets that are supported by five-foot metal fence posts as a good winter windbreak (Figures 1,2,3).
• If you choose to feed on a candy board, break up the solid candy block to allow ventilation. Alternatively, use pure sugar cubes (no additives).