10/10/2026
🐝 Winter preparations are underway for the bees! 🍯❄️
While the bees are still taking advantage of these beautiful fall days, we’re already looking ahead to the colder months here in south central Pennsylvania!
Preparing honeybee colonies for winter is one of the most important responsibilities we have as beekeepers. A colony’s ability to survive the winter depends on several factors, including healthy populations of winter bees, low Varroa mite levels, adequate food stores, and protection from the elements.
As we wrap up our final mite treatment, inspect winter food reserves, and get our Bee Cozy hive wraps ready for another season, we’re also stocking up on one of our favorite overwintering supplies: Hive Alive fondant!
Last winter was our first season using the HiveAlive 2 lb fondant patties, and we were genuinely impressed. We experienced excellent winter survival across our apiary, and the fondant proved to be a great addition to our winter feeding program.
This year, HiveAlive introduced a new 5 lb fondant patty, featuring the same formula as their original 2 lb version. For those of us managing multiple colonies, we’re especially excited about the larger size!
Supplemental fondant can provide an accessible source of carbohydrates when natural forage is unavailable and stored honey begins running low. It’s not a substitute for healthy colonies or proper winter preparation, but it can provide an additional layer of insurance during those long, cold months when opening a hive isn’t always practical.
There’s no single product or practice that guarantees successful overwintering. It’s the combination of good management, healthy bees, and careful preparation that gives a colony its best chance.
Our goal is simple: send strong, healthy colonies into winter and welcome them back in the spring, ready for another season of pollination and honey production!
Here’s to another successful winter in the bee yard! 🐝 🍯
