We are new to beekeeping this year and the time has come to begin winterizing. Our plan is to create a windbreak around the hives using siltfence (finely woven construction fabric) and insulate the hives themselves for added warmth.

I'm asking for advice on the insulation part. We have done a lot of researching and it seems there are many options. What i'm not sure about is properly insulating for SEVERE cold winters, as we have here in Minnesota. We had several weeks of below zero temperatures last year (not below freezing, below zero).

One product that was recommended was an insulating box cover (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=mannlake&Screen=SRCH&sType=1&Search=insulation), combined with a moisture guard. But before i order any product i would like to get more advice about this.

Your help is appreciated!!