I posted the following several years ago, so this is just a reminder to those who talk about "northern" or even Alaskan beekeeping that being there is not all it may seem to be as far as beekeeping is concerned. This was in reply to hive equipment in the North. Just one more thing to add that Alaska has a variety of climates including areas warmer than here in Maine, so one size does not fit all. Bill Truesdell (the archives are my friend) Bath, Maine Just a reminder that all beekeeping is local, and it is best to know the weather in the location that uses different equipment. Many parts of Europe are located much further north than much of the US, but enjoy fairly mild winters and have temps that are closer to Maryland than upper NY state or the Dakotas. Many parts of Sweden are warmer than parts of Maine, including one city close the the Arctic circle, all because they are intelligent and have their larger cities close to water and the warm Gulf Stream. Even in North America you can have exceptional differences - Maine vs Washington State. Upper NY State is cold, often colder than southern Maine, so I buy a lot of trees from that area knowing that if they survive there I have a chance here. So I would trust Lloyd's observations on wintering more than those from others, since our climates are close in temperature and other environmental factors. -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---