Freezing temperatures tonight so time to install the wool rug on the long hive and the wool packing and foam insulation on the Langstroth hive. Done! When daytime temps drop significantly here in Bend Oregon I will wrap the sides of the hives with foam insulation and cover them with plastic, leaving air vents for a little circulation.
Bees in Langstroth hive has filled the 2nd deep with comb and honey so there should be enough for winter. I will remove that box during late spring, May here, and add a deep to the bottom so the bees can draw new comb for the brood area, which they keep in the lowest box.
The bees in the long hive had comb in 14 frames with the last two being partially completed. The second to the last frame had one side capped honey and the other side with nectar and the last one had about 1/4 filled with empty comb. I may remove those two when temps drop so there's not so much space to heat. To be decided later.
Bees seem healthy although the number flying during these 50-60 degree days seem low. We will see how they winter; hope there are enough to keep the cluster warm enough this winter.
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