Everytime I inspect the hive there is always some dumb bees that get up under the inner cover and get smushed, I tried be gentle and slow, I tried being quick, I brushed them off, blew them away, smoked them, sugared them you name it but they always run up on the edge. then once I get that on they all run up the sides and get smushed by the telescoptic cover. I figure I must be doing something wrong?? I took the bottom board off to change it for a screened one, well that probly took out 30 or so bees, they just run out the first instant I loosen it up wit the hive tool. Kinda a pain really, and I'm sure its a pain for the bees. Can't be good gettin smushed , and of course they make the others get a little more ornery. So whats a beek to do , is there a solution to this, other than don't open the hive up. LOL
Smoking helps a lot and when you put the cover back ease it down gently, giving them time to move outta the way. I also like to gently move the cover a little side to side while lowering it. Take the extra time to gently bring it down so they can adjust. There will always be a few casualties.
...JP
Set it on at an gently at angle first, then slowly and gently slide it around straight.
Quote from: Michael Bush on June 08, 2008, 02:29:47 PM
Set it on at an gently at angle first, then slowly and gently slide it around straight.
Put a super back on the opposite way of taking it off. Instead of giving it a twist like you would to break any burr or bridge comb put it on at a slight angle then slowly straighten it, smoking the corners when and where needed.
I'm finding it more difficult this year to not smush them when assembling the hive. This is probably in part due to the fact that a couple of my hives are much stronger this year and there are many bees "milling" about. It is also more difficult for me when the supers are heavy. I try to put the supers back on at an angle while wiggling it as much as I can so they get the message and move. I then turn/slide it on straight to push those on the edge off.
Good luck not crushing the bees:)
Derrick