Hi Donald and all,

        A well-known beekeeper here in Quebec proposed using "Thermofoil" as
wrapping material for the hives, with a styrofoam on top of the inner-cover,
wich is also covered by thermofoil. It is critical not to block the hole on
the side of the inner-cover, because it is a "vent-hole" allowing humidity
to escape. It is also used by the bees when temperature is high enough to
perform a cleansing flight. I'm personnally trying this method for the next
winter.

Here is a link for a description of the method. It is in french, but the
pictures tell it all:
http://www.reineschapleau.wd1.net/articles/hivernage.fr.html

Regards,

Hugo Tremblay
Alma, Québec (above 48th parallel north !!)

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