I would like to know if anyone knew how to make a beehive block or entrance reducer. Some pictures would help but i mainly want the dimensions for the holes you cut into the block.
Thanks
The diameter should equal the gap between bottom board and the bottom of the first box. I think you can use a 1 inch hole for a small opening and a 2 1/2 inch for a larger opening. remove the block altogether when it's warm and the colony is strong.
Entrance reducetrs are cheap,I wouldn't make my own!!
I should put the entrance reducer in when i put my my colony of packaged bees for there first time in the hive shouldnt I.
yes it will help to prevent robbing
This is very low-tech but it works great....just stuff grass real tight all across the front untill you have the gap you want. Get a hand full of long dried out grass and kinda wind it up in your hand and jam it in there. Often when I am out inspecting, I will see a hive in the midst of being robbed. I do not have time to go back and get a reducer. Start grabbing and stuffing. It can last a long time too. I did a bunch of hives this way back in Oct...still holding tight at this point in time.
Anyway, just a different, fast, cheap way...for guys like me who can not build or cut.