With fall in the air and winter just around the corner, I opened my hive today for a final inspection. The hive has approx 30,000 to 40,000 female bees. The drones or males have been killed or run out of the hive prior to winter arriving. The drones have served their purpose and are no longer needed. A large healthy hive in the fall will ensure a strong hive in the spring. My next project will be to insulate the hive with straw. The straw helps keep the heat inside the hive and block the cold windy weather we enjoy here in Michigan.