Local beekeeper Carl Korschgen had four of his nine beehives die in the winter of 2018. In order to keep his hives alive this past winter, Korschgen has been experimenting with light.
“What I want to do is heat those hives approximately up to 60 degrees,” Korschgen said. “I’m also going to provide them with an abundance of potpourri and food on top of their regular frames of honey.”
Last winter, Korschgen’s bees went through physiological and morphological change because of the inconsistent temperatures. After the changes occur, the bees are given a 35-day lifespan.
“When the change occurs will depend on whether that hive actually survives,” Korschgen said.
So far in the season Korschgen has not lost any hives, despite some warmer days in January. But he is ready for any temperature fluctuations that may come.
“Based on my last nine years of experience, I have nothing to lose but go all-in,” Korschgen said. “I will be a test-person for all of my bee buddies in the Columbia area.”
Korschgen is part of the Boone Regional Beekeepers Association, which assists local beekeepers with problems varying from parasites to hive locations.
“It’s very easy to get involved in beekeeping if you have the passion to do it,” Korschgen said.