The Vented Hive vs.The Condensing Hive
Thursday, September 24, 7:30 p.m.
The Vented Hive vs. The Condensing Hive – Presented by Peggy DeSanto
Peggy DeSanto will explore research challenging the common assumption that moisture is the enemy of overwintering honey bees. Drawing on work by Etienne Tardif, Dr. Derek Mitchell, Master Beekeeper Bill Hesbach, and Dr. Tom Seeley, Peggy will examine how insulation, heat, moisture, and condensation affect colonies during cold winters.
The presentation will compare traditional vented hives with the “condensing hive” approach, which seeks to more closely replicate the insulated tree cavities in which honey bees naturally overwinter. Topics will include winter survival, honey consumption, colony strength, and spring buildup.
Members will come away with a better understanding of the research behind winter hive management and practical ideas to consider for their own colonies. Peggy will also introduce the Hive Hugger, a product she developed to put these principles into practice.
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| A little about me: I serve on the Board of Directors of the University of Minnesota Hobbyist Beekeepers Association. I’ve presented at the Wisconsin and Iowa Honey Producers Conferences and the Midwest Honeybee Expo. In 2022 I was awarded the University of Minnesota SARE Grant, and in 2023 the Hive Hugger won the American Beekeeping Federation’s Best Innovation Award. |
(Note:Four years ago I moved from a ventilated hive strategy to modified condensing hive management. I believe that condensing hives, along with several changes in managing hives for winter resulted in a three year 93% overwintering survival rate – 4 dead outs from a total of 55 colonies. Tim Olsen)