Tim,

> Question 2: While a "normal" hive-I am assuming healthy with decent winter
> stores , can stand the winters of most of the US--Alaska may be a different
> matter, I was wondering if anyone has tried/read about etc. the possibility
> of providing some sort of 'heating system" for the hive. This may cause other
> problems for the bees including intruders, but I was curious.

There are those here in Alaska who have tried various methods of adding heat to a
hive during winter.  Some seem to be of some possible benefit, but no scientific
experimentation has been done up here AFIK.  On the other hand in the milder
parts of Alaska, the coastal areas, it is not the extremety of the temperatures
which causes difficulty to bees, but rather the duration of none flight time.  I
insulate my hives with two inches of styrofoam board and find no clustering down
to, at least, 10 degrees F.  I say at least because just as folks in the lower 48
feel that the hive should not be disturbed below 70 degrees F, I feel that the
limit of 10 degrees F is more practical up here.  If I had to wait for a 70
degree day for a routine hive inspection I might miss some summers altogether.

Tom

--
"Test everything.  Hold on to the good."  (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Tom Elliott
Chugiak,  Alaska
U.S.A.
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