Opening up for ventilation

josbees · July 30, 2008, 09:21:44 AM

I've read a lot of the older posts looking for an answer, but am still a mite confused. I want to prop open the top of the hive for a bit more air -- it's really humid here right now. I just need this clarified. If I put a stick inside to prop open the cover, do I put it between the honey super and the inner cover, or between the inner cover and the outer telescoping cover?

Thanks as always!

DennisB · July 30, 2008, 09:36:00 AM

I have used sticks to prop up the rear of the top cover for ventilation and this seems to work well. This way the bees can protect the opening in the inner cover easier. I would think that proping up around the honey super could be a potential robbing situation.

DennisB

Robo · July 30, 2008, 09:38:10 AM

I like to prop the top cover off the inner cover with 2 sticks. The bees then use the top of the inner cover as a deck and are still protected from the elements.

josbees · July 30, 2008, 10:20:33 AM

Excellent! Thanks guys, and Robo for the photo. Now I know what I'm doing. Just now, at least.......

I'm sure I can come up with another question any second.

asciibaron · July 30, 2008, 01:56:40 PM

i just propped the inner cover with 2 sticks i found on the ground next to the hive. they are about 1/8" in height and that seems to be working fine - i can feel the air moving esp with the screened bottom board and milk crate stand. excellent chimney effect and very little bearding on the hive. i have quite the yard of birds on really hot days - they swoop in and pick off the bees that beard.

-Steve

Michael Bush · July 30, 2008, 07:57:00 PM

You can just slide the top box back 3/4" too.

HEATHERNAY · July 30, 2008, 08:08:22 PM

Quote from: asciibaron on July 30, 2008, 01:56:40 PM
i just propped the inner cover with 2 sticks i found on the ground next to the hive. they are about 1/8" in height and that seems to be working fine - i can feel the air moving esp with the screened bottom board and milk crate stand. excellent chimney effect and very little bearding on the hive. i have quite the yard of birds on really hot days - they swoop in and pick off the bees that beard.

-Steve
[bees that beard? ....im new....
heather]

sc-bee · July 30, 2008, 09:06:10 PM

Bearding-- with the heat bees will gather and cling on the outside of the hive to keep cool. Looks like a big beard ;).

Sure someone has a picture but not I :(.

ArmucheeBee · July 30, 2008, 09:20:16 PM

What about a ventilation hole drilled at the top of the deep? Did I see this on Mike Bush's site (can't remember)? I have done this with my new hives I built, but they are not in use yet. I drilled a 3/4 inch hole about 2 inches down from the top of the deep. I stapled fine screen mesh over the inside of the hole to prevent robbing. Is this a good type of ventilation. The site I saw it on was talking more about winter ventilation, I believe. It is wine cork size so it can be plug like the site said.

rast · July 30, 2008, 09:34:12 PM

Insert Quote
What about a ventilation hole drilled at the top of the deep?

I tried that, the bees did not seem to like that as much as the cover propped up.

Michael Bush · July 31, 2008, 08:10:01 AM

>What about a ventilation hole drilled at the top of the deep?

I have always regretted the holes I've drilled in equipment.

Brian D. Bray · August 01, 2008, 11:40:08 PM

Quote from: Michael Bush on July 31, 2008, 08:10:01 AM
>What about a ventilation hole drilled at the top of the deep?

I have always regretted the holes I've drilled in equipment.

As does every one else, eventually.

hankdog1 · August 02, 2008, 02:58:06 AM

i never had a problem with the holes in my equipment i normally staple some screen over it to prevent robbing though

clgs · August 04, 2008, 10:49:35 PM

To those of you that mention regretting drilling holes ---- why? what happened?

Michael Bush · August 04, 2008, 11:08:25 PM

First, times I wanted to close up a hive and forgot the hole.
Second, times I accidently put my hand either over, under or in the hole when lifting the super.
Third, times in winter when I wanted to close it up more.
Fourth, times that a hive gets weak and forgets to guard both entrances and I have to find a way to close it off.
Fifth, times that I need a box without a hole and the only one handy has a hole in it.
There is nothing you accomplish by putting a hole in the box that you can't do by sliding the box back 3/4" or putting in a couple of shingle shims or using a Imirie shim...