We are looking at a variety of farm properties and many have loafing sheds and one has a hay barn. (picture a barn with a roof but no sides). I have read that SHB need to get to dirt to develop and that a control options might include stopping them from reaching the dirt. My question is whether the hives can be placed on black plastic under a loafing shed or hay barn or whether it would be silly. This would stop water from raining on the hives - not a big deal, I know, but the loafing shed could also provide shelter from north wind. It would also keep out sunlight to an extent, however, and I do not know what this would do.
Do you have SHB there? Just asking as I don't know.
We've got them like crazy here but find that if you keep your hives strong (almost to the point of swarming) the bees can handle them. Full sun seems to help as well.
Scott
The more shade, the more SHB,
As for the ground, the SHB will fly into the hive, lay eggs. The eggs hatch and the larva destroy your hive and kill your bees. THEN they go to the ground to pupate. It's too late to control them then.
And once on the ground they will crawl and crawl.
Read some where that the larva crawled over 50 ft on concrete.
Course don't remember were I read that.
Great info., I know, no reference material at all.
Bee-Bop