i live in texas and i'm fortunate enough to have my 6 hives in the shade of a few large trees...but is that a good thing? it seems they leave the hive later than bees in the sun because it's cooler. they do get a few hours of sun but i wanted to avoid lots of it. what does everyone think about hives in the shade in texas?
Bees like full sun. Early Morning sun is very important to bees.
Sincerely,
Brendhan
Eastern facing entrances and perhaps a bit of shade in the afternoons is good as I understand.
sun in the morning, shade in the evening.
>but is that a good thing?
When you're working them you'll think so. But they seem to produce more and have less problems in full sun.
Mine is in full sun and with open screened bottoms I never see any problems with heat.
When I heard Jamie Ellis speak on small hive beetle, he said the beetles like shade, so full sun is preferred.
I just moved my last two from evening shade to full sun. I'm in Texas too.
My fist year I had hives in the shade. Hive beetles were everywhere! Moved them to full sun and hive beetle problems improved dramatically!
It gets so hot here in the summer that I think the bees appreciate a little shade, and I know I do. Never have had problem with shb.
My bees are in full sun also. It may be an illusion, but the summer heat sure seems to help keep the mites down. I certainly wouldn't consider it cure all, but I see less chalk brood, and seems like fewer mites. Just bring 2 gallons of water when working them... some to drink, some to wear.