Overwintering your bees with a Bee Quilt

Does anyone else have issues with overwintering their honeybees? Here in the midwest we have such a horrible success rate. Buying bees every year can be very costly so everyone up here is trying to find a solution. Here is one suggestion I was told about that looks promising. What do you think? http://www.honeybeesuite.com/how-to-make-a-moisture-quilt-for-a-langstroth-hive/

I think the only other beekeeper we have is Amybyrd. Hopefully she'll be a long soon to discuss this with you. Hope you have a merry Christmas.

I am interested in bees, but want to learn more before investing in the equipment. What is the over-wintering problem?? Condensation? Molds? or Temperature? I would think that, if it is a moisture / condensation problem, the basic hive design and / or location are flawed. Something erected around the hive to stabilize the temps (think micro-climate) and yet maintain enough airflow...

Just my thoughts as a non-keeper.

We have 2 issues the first is moisture from the condensation caused by the bees & the other is a Midwest issue of such drastic temp changes in February. We will have a nice week of 50s where the bees will uncluster & really start cleaning house then it will go to -20 killing them. It is so frustrating. With this quilt I am thinking it will take care of the moisture problem & I am hoping to "bring them in" maybe in a shed or garage for the winter. I am hearing if you bring them in, your shed stays 50 degrees even on bitter cold days. I know lower Midwest does not have these issues & neither does Canada. We in the upper Midwest just have too drastic of a change in temps in February & march. Thanks for your thoughts. I love being a beekeeper & want to keep my girls comfortable.

there is just so much to wintering bees, in all aspects of the country to post hear. I know in are state we just have to feed are bees so they don't go out of the hive. and have plenty to feed the new bees. most the older hive bees are gone. we don't move are bees inside. or cover them. but just feed them. hear is a great book to look into. lots more books are available. this one is called. 500 Answers to Bee Questions. by A.I. Root company Medina, Ohio.
hope this helps.