Getting bees through winter requires preparing for common causes of winter losses like starvation, excessive moisture, temperature fluctuations, weak hives, strong winds, sick bees, old comb, blocked entrances, mice, and neglect. To prevent starvation, beekeepers should build up honey stores in fall and provide winter feeding if needed. Excessive moisture can be addressed through adequate ventilation and a notch in the inner hive cover. Temperature fluctuations are minimized by windbreaks, not opening hives when cold, and avoiding disruptions. Weak hives should be requeened, combined, or losses accepted in fall. Sick bees require monitoring and treating for pests like varroa mites. Strong winds require a hive windbreak. Old comb