There appear to be not only a great many beekeepers on this list but a
log of beekeepers with a great deal of knowledge so I am going to share
some science :) with you.
 
I am in Northern Alberta, Canada with winter temeperatures reaching -40
deg. C.  All of my colonies are 4 to a pallet facing East and West.  My
practice is to wrap for winter with R20 insulation on top and R12
insulation on the sides.
 
I have wondered if more top insulation would be better so I selected 4
yards at random.  All were in two rows.  I then placed twice as much
insultion (R40) on one of the rows.
 
Yesterday we finished unwrapping and here are the results.
 
Yard    Position        Fall    weak on opening Alive   % loss
Thereux         N*      24              2       19      20.8
                S       16              3       26      0
        Total           40              5       35      12.5
 
Slough          E       20              2       17      15
                W*      16              5       13      18.8
        Total           36              7       30      16.7
 
Sakiew          E*      20              4       8       60
                W       18              5       11      38.9
        Total           38              9       19      50
 
Schafer         N*      20              6       12      40
                S       24              3       20      16.7
        Total           44              9       32      27.3
 
     * - those with double insulation
 
I am amazed at the results.  My conclusion is that less insulation is
better.  If that is the case would no insulation be the best?  Perhaps I
should look into making some wire mesh boxes and winter in those?
 
You should be aware that this was a carefully controlled experiement with
all hives matched according to strength, feed, age of queen, pollen
supplies, exposure to wind, exposure to mice and skunks, colour of box,
size of entrance, time of day, colour of the sky and everything else I
can think of.  P.S. If you believe this send me a cheque and I will sell
you a bridge.
 
The random method selection was used.  I simply selected one side and
doubled up the insulation.  Perhaps I picked the wrong side.
 
Any ideas?
 
Eric Abell                           email: [log in to unmask]
Gibbons, AB, T0A 1N0
Canada
(403) 998 3143