It seems to me that winter wraps are one of those things that can vary a
   great deal between operations in an area, let alone different climates.
   There are compensating variations in management and equipment that make
   consideration of the wrap (in isolation) more difficult.
 
   One practice that I would like to hear more about, is the use of a thin
   (8 mm?) insulation consisting of 2 polyethylene bubble sheets, bonded
   with aluminum on the outside. It makes a pretty durable, flexible and
   compact insulation that is claimed to have an insulation R value of 12,
   the same as 4 inch thick batts of glass fiber or rock wool. It's more
   expensive (50 cents per square foot?) but should last longer and be much
   more convenient to use and store. I've been told there are some (a few
   hundred) in use (for 4 packs) in the Alberta Peace, and that they were
   OK last winter.
 
   Have Allen or Eric heard any more details about them?
 
 
   Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
   B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
   1201 103 Ave
   Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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