I have been researching top entrances and would like to try a few hives with them this season. Skunk issues have made it seem a wise way to go. When honey supers are added does your entrance move up with each super? And why do some say mice are not a problem with top entrances. Seems like they could crawl up and climb in no matter how high the entrance is. Just curious, thanks :).
You can keep the entrance where it is (mid entrance)
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,11577.msg77458.html#msg77458
or keep moving it to the top.
Either way, you still get the same issues with doing inspections.
Quote from: Robo on January 25, 2009, 09:37:01 AM
You can keep the entrance where it is (mid entrance)
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,11577.msg77458.html#msg77458
or keep moving it to the top.
Either way, you still get the same issues with doing inspections.
Thanks for the link. Looked from it that the "issues" are mainly the "tornado" of bees looking for the entry while you are inspecting the hive. Are there any other "issues" and do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Standing in the tornado is just part of it, and didn't really bother me, but it could for less experienced beeks. My biggest issue was trying to replace supers removed for inspections. With bees in the hive boiling out the top trying to leave the hive, and bees crawling up the front and over the lip looking for the entrance, it is impossible to put a super back on without crushing a bunch of bees. Even using the slide or twist into place method doesn't really work as the bees continue to head for the opening as it is reduced.
There were no benefits to me that outweighed these inspection difficulties.