Hives don't really need constant attention, and it would probably annoy the bees if they got it. It would be like someone taking the roof off your house regularly, pulling you and your furniture out and giving you the once over. And if that was done when it was cold, rainy or windy, I imagine it would tick anybody off.
That being said, they do need to be checked periodically to ascertain the overall health of the colony, to make sure they have an adequate food supply, and prepare them for each season.
Now is a good time to reduce the entrances. As cold weather arrives, the population begins to drop due to the limited food supplies available throughout the winter. Less total bee population means less bees to guard the entrance against robber bees and potentially mice looking for a warm dry winter home.
Feed the bees occasionally with a 2:1 sugar water solution. This will help their honey stores last a bit longer. Check to make sure the bees are not honey bound. This means that the queen has run out of room to lay eggs because so many of the cells are full of honey.
It is also a good time to get your honey and wax ready for gifts. I enjoy using decorative jars in organza bags as a simple yet always welcome gift bags. Sometimes I also add small beeswax ornaments, soap, dippers and/or a christmas ornament. Honey lovers are always excited to receive these.
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