I presently am over-wintering approximately 300 colonies/double nucleus
hives indoors in a 23' 3" X 19' 8" room.  I decided this year to monitor the
temperature and relative humidity using a "HOBO" weather station (a system
which uses a computer program to collect the data) for two weeks to see if I
was having any fluctuation of temperature or humidity.  What I found was
that the temperature is staying very tight between 41 to 43º F., but the
humidity was everywhere from 17% to 49%.  From what I have read on beeline
or other publications, the recommended humidity is around 60%.  My question
is first is this the standard for an inside wintering facility or is a lower
humidity that critical to the bees?  Next if I do need to have the room
generally around 60% RH, how do I get the humidity up and get it to stay at
that level?  My initial thought is to use a humidifier in the room, but
don't know if I should place it on the floor, on top of a shelf or in the
middle of the room on top of hives.  Any suggestions on if a humidifier is a
good place to start and if so how to get the best of it or what other
methods are used?  I would appreciate any suggestions from those that over
winter indoors in Canada or the U. S.

Thank you

 

Steve J. Hanlin

Entomologist-Control Pollination

North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station

Ames, IA  

 

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