All the inner covers that I have seen have the hole cut out in the center aligned over the fifth and sixth frames (from front to back). Why isn't the hole cut out in the other direction so that it provides ventilation directly over a larger number of frames?
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There is no idea to vent under rain cover. Inner cover hole is not mentinoned for ventilation.
The moist resiration air should be leaded via wall entrnace which bees can use as entrance.
Under rain cover ventilation makes condensation.
I made all mine, when I made them, with two holes the size of a quart jar lid so I can feed through the inner cover. Then covered the bottom of the hole with #8 hardware cloth so I can fill jars without facing bees. that way I don't even have to suit up or light a smoker when feeding. The reason for two is it's more likely I can get the feeder over the cluster when the weather is marginal.
The reason for the shape in the standard ones is to fit a Porter bee escape, which are not very common these days I don't think.
Here are how I make mine. Not for ventilation, but as Michael states to better allow the cluster to access food.
(http://www.bushkillfarms.com/gallery2/d/685-1/innercover.jpg)
I use the jar holes in migratory covers, but they would never work in an inner cover in this area, other than while you are feeding. If the bees cannot access the area between the inner and outer cover here, the ants will nest there and consume the hive totally. I have seen many hives destroyed when the bees cannot access that area.
I make a lot of mine with no hole in the center. That hole in the center does nothing for ventilation, in my opinion. All of my inner covers have a rim and a notch cut in that rim for ventilation.
Enjoy your ant farms this summer.
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I give propane flame over those cover ants. it works.
QuoteI give propane flame over those cover ants. it works.
also great aggression reduction therapy :-D
Finski, isn't your polystyrene hives flammable?
I always figured fire and polystyrene was not a good match.
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My inner cover is a wooden box. Ants live between insulation and wooden board.
Our ants are not bad to bees but they are a nuisance there in upstairs.