WHAT a lively discussion! :-D ...As many ways to keep bees as keepers that keep bees...
For me, I have switched over to SBB's (solid bottom boards) and will look to providing some insulation on top this year as well...the insulation wrapped in wool sounded interesting...would one need drain holes at the bottom AND a hole at the top?: ! sorry, don't want to ignite the whole debate again..... :-P!
i have read of the wood shavings / straw in burlap technique but have not tried it... has anyone else?
Living in Northern California, rain and periodic cloudy/moist conditions are quite common for at least 6 months of the year. I would love to see my hives survive the winter and go on into spring - summer - etc. Last year they failed WITH plenty of stores, I am looking to queen failure, moisture/cold, or the dreaded CCD as causes. ....
8-) Banking on my 3 new packages installed in April ...