I have some yard work that I need help with. I will be paying someone to help clear some kudzu and brush from an area in my back yard. We will be about 5-10ft away from my hives (some will be closer than others). If I were to work alone, I would leave the hives open. But since I will have some one with me for a few hours, I would like to close up the hives, just in case he gets too close to the hives while we are clearing brush.
Will they be okay if I close them up for a day? (I can use some baggie feeders to help feed them in the meantime).
Anyone else ever closed up their hives to do work around them?
Thanks,
Derrick
You'll be fine.
Close them in the early morn, and then open them as soon as you can. Remember to give them plenty of ventilation. Close them with a screen if you can.
F
The only thing I am thinking is the weather. I know the bees need to bring in about a quart of water per hive just to keep the hive cool in the hot weather. How will they keep the hive cool without the water???
Just a thought. Anyone have any ideas??? Perhaps you can fill up a hive top feeder with water??
Annette
Quote from: annette on September 09, 2008, 04:57:52 PM
The only thing I am thinking is the weather. I know the bees need to bring in about a quart of water per hive just to keep the hive cool in the hot weather. How will they keep the hive cool without the water???
Just a thought. Anyone have any ideas??? Perhaps you can fill up a hive top feeder with water??
Annette
This is a great suggestion.
Also, are you using sbbs? If so you can worry less.
Don't worry about them starving, I've closed hives before up to a week and they were fine afterwards.
...JP
If you have a screened bottom board, put it on along with an entrance block for a cover. With a ventilated cover they will do better. With a quart jar of water on top of the screen they will do even better. Screen the entrance shut as well so they have ventilation top and bottom.