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 INTERNET [log in to unmask]