Herve is confused, and that is easy to understand.

In the Northeastern US and Eastern Canada many more hives are over-wintered
without wrap than those that are wrapped.

Moreover, it is easy for beginners to "over-wrap", thus not providing enough
ventilation and killing their hives.

What do beekeepers around you do?  Parts of Quebec have very severe winters,
and parts have relatively mild winters.

I have mostly wood hives, but Styrofoam as well.  I think the Styrofoam
wintering advantage is in the cover, which provides much better protection
from condensation than do the wood telescoping covers.  In my opinion, the
added insulation in the sides is of little value.

My advice...do what your neighbors do.  There are many many beekeepers in
Quebec and there must be many in a climate similar to your own.

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacturers of Ross Rounds Comb
Honey Equipment, Sundance Pollen Traps
and Custom Printer of Sundance Labels.

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