Mr Przemek writes.. 
'After the record cold winter we've had in NY this year I'm convinced that my hives survived only because I ditched the tar paper in favor of the bee cozy. It's not a scaleable option for large operations, but thermally it's so much better.'

my question and comments...
so why do you think this would not be scalable?  < on a more practical note many commercial beekeeper move south so this point may be mute but there are certainly some commercial sized beekeeper that don't.  

here (central Texas) this suggestion is totally without merit.  if anything you may need protection here from the mid summer's intense heat but trying to limit the heat also APPEARS to somewhat enhance the habitat for varroa and the small hive beetle.  

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