Produced by Tom Cosmas compiled from images made available by The Internet Archive. WINTERING BEES IN CELLARS E. F. PHILLIPS, Apiculturist and GEORGE S. DEMUTH, Apicultural Assistant Bureau of Entomology [Illustration] FARMERS' BULLETIN 1014 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Contribution from the Bureau of Entomology L. O. HOWARD. Chief Washington, D. C. September, 1918 Show this bulletin to a neighbor. Additional copies may be obtained free from the Division of Publications, United States Department of Agriculture WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1918 RESULTS from wintering bees in a cellar are excellent when conditions in the cellar are such as to keep the bees from wearing themselves out by excessive activity. Cellar wintering is practicable where the average outdoor temperature during the winter months is as low as 25° F. A map is given (p. 3) so that the beekeeper may know whether this method is advisable in his locality. The cellar should be arranged so that the ceiling is below the frost line, and so that the ceiling and side walls are thoroughly protected at all points. The cellar should be kept so that the lowest temperature within the hives is at least 52° F. At this temperature there will be little need of special ventilating arrangements. There should be no condensation of moisture within the hives, and the cellar should be well drained. Bees should be put into the cellar after a good flight in late November, or earlier in the more northern localities. They should be removed when fresh pollen and nectar are available, usually about the last of March. Soon after the hives are placed on their summer stands, each colony should be given additional stores and room for the development of a large quantity of brood. It is important that none of the factors of good wintering be omitted. Several tests are given in this bulletin so that the beekeeper may determine whether his cellar is a satisfactory place for wintering bees. WINTERING BEES IN CELLARS. CONTENTS. Page. Cellar wintering versus outdoor wintering 3 Where is cellar wintering advisable 4 Essentials to success 5 Necessity of strong colonies in the fall 5 Winter stores 6 Arrangement of the apiary 7 The bee cellar 7 Putting the bees into the cellar 12 Maintenance of the cellar during the winter 13 Removal of the bees from the cellar 17