Preparing equipment for winter

[northmtnfarm]

First year beek - can i get some advice on preparing the hives for winter? I use a screened bottom board so is it best to close it entirely with the check board or leave open a few inches for ventilation? Also, do our winters in Piedmont warrant any insulation between inner and outer cover?

Any tips would be appreciated!

[Wally]

Using the insert that came with the screen bottom board makes a perfect incubator for raising pests. If you close it off, cut a plywood sheet to slide in the entrance and cover the wire. I use all solid bottoms, so no, ventilation is not necessary, but probably wouldn't hurt anything.
Insulation on top the same,not necessary, but wouldn't hurt anything as long as it didn't cause moisture buildup.