Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: annette on July 06, 2011, 12:59:23 AM

Title: Is it ok to leave 4" entrance reducer on hives?
Post by: annette on July 06, 2011, 12:59:23 AM
You are probably wondering why I am asking this question, but I have a major problem with robbing. So for the past couple of years I have left the entrance reducer on the 4" size so the bees can more easily defend the entrance.

I have an open screened bottom board and a top entrance.

Anyone, see a problem with doing this??

Annette
Title: Re: Is it ok to leave 4" entrance reducer on hives?
Post by: kingbee on July 06, 2011, 05:32:36 AM
Quote from: annette on July 06, 2011, 12:59:23 AM...for the past couple of years I have left the entrance reducer on

the 4" size... I have an open screened bottom board and a top entrance.  Anyone, see a problem with doing this??

Here in the hot and humid South I run a 4 inch wide entrance with SBB and NO top entrance year round and see no ill effects.  May have fewer SHBs that others report as 'normal'.
Title: Re: Is it ok to leave 4" entrance reducer on hives?
Post by: AllenF on July 06, 2011, 08:23:47 AM
I keep some of my hives closed up more them that all year long.   I just leave blocks in there and don't worry about it.
Title: Re: Is it ok to leave 4" entrance reducer on hives?
Post by: hardwood on July 06, 2011, 07:39:23 PM
My bee pallets all have 4" entrances...no problem.

Scott
Title: Re: Is it ok to leave 4" entrance reducer on hives?
Post by: annette on July 06, 2011, 08:38:58 PM
Great responses, thank you everyone.

Annette