I have a hard time with the thought of a mesh floor here in the winter when 
it can be well below zero many days in a row. Just how cold is to cold? Also 
we are on the coast and it is a very moist cold. Ventilation is important, 
some times the 1" hole in the top box has ice crystals from moisture 
escaping. We do not wrap or put on pillows, the bees do fine with a solid 
bottom board, 4 inch entrance and 1 inch hole in the second box. The snow 
helps protect the hives.... but we did get rodents.
http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn77/sealevelas/Bees/?action=view&current=deep_snow_beehive.jpg


< converted all hives to permanent OMF and at the same time reduced
 entrances to 7mm (no need for verntilation - plenty via the floor)>

Karen 

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