What is one aspect of winter preparation for beekeeping?

Implementing mouse guards is an important aspect of winter preparation for beekeeping because it helps to protect the hive from rodents that seek shelter and food during the colder months. Mice can cause significant damage to beehives, as they may chew through the hive structure, consume stored honey, and even harm the bees themselves. By installing mouse guards, beekeepers create a physical barrier that prevents mice from entering the hive while still allowing bees to come and go. This proactive measure contributes to the overall health and survival of the bee colony through the winter season.

Other options are less suitable for winter preparation. Increasing the size of the hive is not necessary during winter, as colonies generally require a compact space to maintain warmth. Adding sugar water is also not recommended exclusively in feeders during winter since bees may not have an active foraging behavior; it's more effective to provide dry sugar or candy boards if additional food is needed. Finally, removing all frames from the hive would leave the colony vulnerable and unprotected, which is counterproductive to ensuring their survival in winter.