Checkup in fall

The sugar-water-mix has been replaced by Apiinvert in fall. The bees should have lots of food once more in order to pass the winter well. As soon as it is cold enought, they won't fly out any more and eat - on the contrary eating then could even cause diarrhea.
Since we didn't have any other information from our association and were a little bit insecure, we called the bee expert again. He had a look at everything and gave as valuable advice.
For winter we bought styrofoam in the diy store and also new foil. Then styrofoam and foil were cut, the styrofoam a little bit shorter than the beehive (lengthwise about 2-4 inches). So the air can circulate in the beehive. The foil is placed above, then the styrofoam, then the foil is turned over.
So the bees are protected from too much humidity. On the other hand they can still drink from the water on the foil when the ponds are frozen.
The real danger for the bees isn't the cold but the humidity.
Actually we just talked to a colleague from the association who got her colony together with us. Her girls nearly drowned. How could that happen, you will ask. - The beehives are made for staying outside...
Here are some pics from our preparations for winter:

Waben mit Honig