Colorado winters can be tough on your bees. While bees are in cluster inside the hive during winter, they are creating heat and moisture. The moisture rises and typically will collect on the inner cover, only to later rain down on your bees and get them wet...if the temperature drops below freezing, your bees will freeze to death. Bees can tolerate cold temperatures if they stay dry. The Quilt Box removes the excess moisture in your hive. The lower edges of the side panels allow moisture to dissipate out of the sides of the box. The elevated placement of the screen allows feed such as winter sugar bricks, AP23 winter patties, or fondant to be placed below the screen, directly on top of the frames. Place absorbent material, such as wood shavings(included... Horse stall bedding works great!), on top of the screen to about 1/2 inch below the lip of the lower vent edge. Place on your top box, then on top of the combo box, place your inner cover and telescoping lid.