Collection: Winterise Your Hive

A practical winter checklist

Start with food. Monitor stores and remember the cluster must be able to reach them. If a colony needs feed in cold conditions, bee fondant can be placed close to the bees following packaging instructions and National Bee Unit guidance. Read our guide to feeding bees fondant in winter.

Check the roof and components are secure. Choose an entrance block compatible with your hive and follow fitting guidance. Keep essential access and ventilation clear. A beginner hive kit or nuc kit is equipment for setting up a hive or housing a nucleus colony, not a substitute for assessing an existing colony's winter needs. Review selected options and included components before ordering.

Keep winter disturbance to a minimum. If a necessary check shows stores are inaccessible, get experienced advice and act promptly.

Is fondant all I need? No. Food is one part of winter preparation. Review colony health, accessible stores and your hive equipment.

Which pack should I choose? Check the selected pack size and your colony's requirements. No fixed feeding quantity or duration is promised here.

Will the entrance fit my hive? Check the individual listing and your hive measurements.

Do I need a new hive kit or nuc kit for winter? Not necessarily. Assess your existing equipment and check the selected kit's included components.

Where can I read more? See the National Bee Unit winter preparation factsheet and starvation guidance.