Bill,  this an interesting topic,  one that I think needs to really be a local topic.  Here is why,  When I lived in Iowa,  we covered hives pretty tight and they did well.  But Iowa has "dry winters"  the air is usually very cold and dry.   
Here in Central IL,  that same method kills hives.   Here the winters are wet and damp,  and more ventilation to keep them dry is a bigger priority than dead air to keep them warm.



Charles

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