Reducing Hive Space
Arbeiten am Bienenstand
Before winter, every colony gets exactly as much space as it can occupy.
Before winter, every colony gets exactly as much space as it can occupy. Combs not covered by bees cool down, go moldy at the edges, and become a target for wax moths. A compact cluster also helps the summer treatment against the varroa mite, because the evaporated active substance distributes better.
Empty, old, and poorly drawn combs are removed, surplus boxes are taken off. When wintering in two boxes, one to two outer combs per box is usually enough; anyone who reduces further takes away the colony's food stores. The feed belongs above and beside the winter cluster, so it does not move into empty space in the frost.
Reduce according to the bees, not the combs: whatever is densely occupied in the evening stays. And do not let the removed combs lie around. Melt down brooded, dark, and irregular combs promptly; store light, unbrooded combs cool, airy, and mouse-proof.