what is the best type of lid, I copied a lid from a local comercial beekeeper, a migratory lid with a 3/4 lip all the way around, with a overhang front and back, when the lid is on, and pushed all the way forward there is a top opening pushed back closed, but with the 3/4 space the bees load the top with bur comb, what a mess, when I had a couple hives, not such a big deal, but as I grow the time to clean the mess is getting excessive,
is it better to have the space? and if so why? or have the migratory lid fit flush with the top of the box? and avoid the mess.
Thanks :?
3/8 in. space, yes.
3/4 in., no.
The top space on a standard box with no accumulation of propolis is supposed to be 1/4" (with 1/8" at the bottom). Since beespace is 1/4" to 3/8" in theory this is ok. Since in reality propolis accumulates, a slight bit more works better. 3/8" total is perfect as it allows a bit of propolis to accumulate... but that is only 1/8" added to the lid...
The commercial guy must feel the cost of the space is worth it to him. It is a place to put pollen patties and or some other reason. Mine have 5/16th as I can get a pollen patty underneath it and It is part of my upper entrance.