Over the past few years, I’ve faced a number of setbacks. 2021 was a highlight with a great honey harvest and an excellent hive survival rate. However, after 2021, I lost more than 50% of my hives each year. Despite my efforts to expand the apiary—splitting hives and adding new colonies—the harsh winters continued to take their toll.
But in the autumn of 2023, I decided to make some distinct changes. I implemented two key adjustments that have made all the difference so far:
- Varroa Mite Treatment
I switched my approach to varroa mite treatment by using oxalic acid vaporization. This method has proven to be amazingly effective for my bees, helping them enter winter much stronger. In the past, I would see bees dying off as soon as the first cold snap hit, but now, thanks to this treatment, they are faring much better. - Hive Monitoring
I began monitoring the internal temperature and weight of my hives using sensors. This has been a meaningful change. Now, I do not need to open the hives as often. By tracking the weight, I can gauge how much honey they have stored and monitor changes over time. The temperature readings give me valuable insights into brood activity and even help me spot early signs of swarming. During the winter, I can also see which hives are still alive without disturbing them.
Thanks to these changes, I saw impressive results in the winter of 2023. For the first time in years, I did not lose a single hive. In 2024, I added four new hives and successfully caught two swarms, bringing my total to ten hives heading into this winter. So far, so good. According to the temperature sensors, all ten hives are still alive and preparing for the spring, which hopefully comes soon.
As you can see in the picture, I’ve also made improvements to protect the hives from harsh weather. Each hive is now insulated, and I have shielded the entire apiary with a plastic sheet to block the wind. On particularly chilly days, I use a small heater to raise the temperature by 5 to 10 degrees inside the apiary. While there is no hard evidence yet that this has directly impacted my hive survival rate, I’m hopeful it’s making a positive difference.