Jim said;
        In the November 2003 issue of the ABJ, Glen L. Stanley, Beekeeping
Specialist from Des Moines, Iowa has an article on preparing hives for
overwintering.

I believe the second paragraph of the article gives the most important
information about wintering if one does not wrap.

"where north and west winds prevail during winter months,it is best to
select a location in FULL SUN with a NORTH AND WEST windbreak."

Bales of straw make a nice windbreak.

When wind chills drop into -20 to -80F for long periods you are going to get
deadouts in the Midwest without wrapping OR windbreaks.

Luckily wind chills of those temps and for long duration do not happen all
the time in our area but always make for a increase in deadouts when they
do.

. I keep a large supply of straw bales on hand (wire tied works best in my
opinion) in case the need arises. About once every five years I need to go
out and set straw bales.
One bale high has worked for me as the bale creates a wind flow up and over
the hive even if in two hive bodies.

Wintering used to be the most discussed subject  by northern beekeepers
before "mites"!

 I do not agree with Dr. Erickson's conclusions on wintering but he has the
right to his opinion! I was never as hard on Dr. Erickson when his report
came out years ago as many northern beekeepers were!

Bob

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