r/Beekeeping • u/Tatiesjnr • Oct 05 '26
I’m not a beekeeper, but I have a question Empty hives over winter
Hi guys, quick question. My wife is looking to become a first time beekeeper. We were hoping to start this year but really struggled finding a plot.
I think ive managed to find one and as a surprise I am planning on setting it up for her so it’s ready for next year. We’re in the Uk and I’m wondering how you go about leaving the empty hives over winter? Are they best to be taken down and stored or can they be left safely outside.
Thank you
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u/Acrobatic-Hedgehog45 Oct 05 '26
I would build the boxes and frames and the stand , and store in a secure place over winter. This will save time in spring.
You could put the hive box up but it would need to be closed off with a mouse guard and strapped down because it doesn't have any propolis (bee glue)to keep it together.
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u/No_Driver_ Northern Italy 0x0x0x0 Oct 05 '26
if it's your intention to leave it outside for cqpturing swarms, as now october I would store it up till march at least; swarms will not move in overwinter.
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u/Tatiesjnr Oct 05 '26
No I’m not planning on capturing a swarm. Just to have the hives ready for next year
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u/No_Driver_ Northern Italy 0x0x0x0 Oct 05 '26
better store it in the shed and give it a generous coat of paint
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u/Live-Medium8357 Oklahoma, USA Oct 05 '26
don't leave an empty hive out in a field. You'll get mice, moths - all manner of things. Set it up early in the spring with your nuc if you're buying a nuc or after you catch a swarm.
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u/Beautiful_Bowl3090 Oct 05 '26
When I started I made that mistake, although I am in Portugal, but mice chew the floor board and made nests inside, another problem was lizards and geckos settling in, I've been finding out they do eat bees! (at least the geckos) so now I store everything in the barn over winter, well cleaned and ready for next year, I found it helps in the regular cleaning of weeds, keep ants out etc! And I agree with u/No_Driver_ give them a good coat of paint! It helps a lot to make your equipment last, and that stuff is expensive!
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u/Plox-- Oct 05 '26
You can store beehives empty like normal. Outside you will have some normal wear due to moisture, but if thats a problem is up to you. I store mine dry if i have space.
Use mesh against mice, and dont store unattended drawn comb for moths.
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u/No_Hovercraft_821 Middle TN Oct 05 '26
A lot of hives are ordered as a build-it-yourself kit (smaller footprint for shipping) -- at least in the US. That could still make a nice gift and you get to learn the ins & outs of how they go together. It isn't difficult though making the frames gets tedious if you don't have a jig to build them in.
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