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November BEE TIPS

November Beekeeping Tips for Wisconsin & Midwest Apiaries

Get Your Bees Ready for Winter Before the Snow Flies!

As the last of the leaves fall and the first real frosts set in across Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, it’s time to shift your beekeeping focus to winter survival. November is a critical month for new beekeepers: your honey harvest is behind you, and now it’s about preparing your colonies for the long, cold months ahead. Here's what you need to know:


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1. Finalize Your Winter Prep

By now, your hives should be winterized. If you haven’t already:

  • Install entrance reducers to keep out mice and reduce drafts.

  • Add an inner cover with a moisture escape (like a quilt box or top vent).

  • Consider a windbreak or insulating wrap (especially if your hives are in open areas).

Tip: Insulation can help—but don’t seal the hive airtight. Bees need ventilation to reduce condensation inside.


2. Stop Feeding Liquid Syrup

Bees can no longer process liquid sugar in cold weather. Stop syrup feeding once day temps stay below 50°F. If your colonies are light on honey, you can:

  • Add winter patties or fondant directly on top bars.

  • Place sugar bricks above the cluster as emergency food.


3. Do a Final Varroa Check & Treatment

If you haven’t done a late fall mite treatment, now is your last chance. Treat with oxalic acid vaporization after brood has mostly emerged (usually by late November). A low mite load is essential for winter survival.


4. Take a Peek—But Don't Linger

Crack the hive briefly on a warm day (50°F+), just long enough to check:

  • Cluster location

  • Food stores

  • Moisture levels

Then seal it up quickly. Avoid unnecessary disruption.


5. Record & Reflect

Start a winter beekeeper’s journal. Take notes on:

  • Hive weights

  • Queen status from fall inspections

  • Mite counts & treatments

  • Feeding regimen

  • Winterization strategies

These notes will be valuable when spring rolls around!


Bonus Tip: Prep for the Unexpected

  • Store extra emergency feed (like fondant or dry sugar) in a weatherproof tote.

  • Keep a spare moisture quilt and inner cover on hand.

  • Make sure your hive tools and gear are stored for winter—and ready to go if needed.


Your Bees Are Counting On You

Winter is hard—but strong fall prep leads to strong spring hives. The bees will do their part to cluster and stay warm. Now it’s up to you to make sure they have food, good ventilation, and protection from wind, moisture, and mites.

Let’s keep those colonies healthy and thriving so they can greet the spring buzzing!


🐝 Questions about winterizing? Need fondant or moisture quilts?

Visit our website or reach out—we’re happy to help you get through your first Wisconsin winter as a beekeeper.

Stay warm and bee well,

— The Wisconsin Bee Company Team

 
 
 
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