Open Space Above The Inner Cover

[PeskySquirrel]

I'm hoping to improve the ventilation of my hives this summer by adding what is essentially a modified shallow super with screened holes drilled in the sides. This "ventilation box" will sit above the inner cover and below the top cover. My question is: will the bees be tempted to fill this open space with comb? Should I also screen the hole in the inner cover to prevent the bees from accessing the open space above? Thank you for your advice/help.

[iddee]

YES, YES, YES... They will hang comb in any space 3/4 inch or more.

[Brian D. Bray]

If you want a ventilation box I would suggest more along the lines of using 1X2s on edge to build the frame 1 1/2 inches high.  You can then drill three 3/4-1 inch holes on each side.  Use either window-#8 screen on the inside of each hole.  Mount the vent shim above the inner top and you won't have burr comb problems.  This also allows a place for feeding fondant, shole granulated sugar, or pollen patties without removing the inner top, just be sure to place the feed in contact with the Porter escape hole in the center of the inner top.

[BjornBee]

Seems like much work compared to just sliding back one of the supers 1/2 inch or so, or propping up the top slightly.

[Brian D. Bray]

Seems like much work compared to just sliding back one of the supers 1/2 inch or so, or propping up the top slightly.

Yeah, but some of are visually challenged, or like things neat and tidy.  Propping up the top with a twig works too but it's not as eye pleasing.

[poka-bee]

Brian, mine don't get twigs, they have granite & marble shims!!  Only the best for my girls!! ;)  Of course I don't have any granite countertops yet... :-x  J

[Michael Bush]

>My question is: will the bees be tempted to fill this open space with comb?
Yes.

>Should I also screen the hole in the inner cover to prevent the bees from accessing the open space above?

Yes.

[Robo]

Have to disagree with all the experts on this one.  I've been using ventilation boxes similar to the DE ventilation boxes for over 5 years now and have not had one ever build comb in the ventilation box.  And although the DE hive recommends screening off the holes,  I found that if the bees don't have access to the vent box to patrol,  you get all kinds of spiders, ants, earwigs etc taking up home in there, so after the first season I removed all the screen and have not had a single issue.  I use 2 oblong holes in my inner covers that are perpendicular to the frames so air flow is not limited to just the middle 2 frames,  where the DE has a round and 2 oblongs.  Either works. 

With that said,  if you do not give them enough room (empty supers) below the inner cover,  I'm sure you can force them to build above the inner cover.

Here is an exploded view of the old set up I use to use.

Here is one of my inner covers

Here is a DE inner cover (round hole under the jar)


Another option if the hive is strong and robbing is not a concern is to prop the outer cover with some shims.  This gives the bees a protected area to spread out and also reduces bearding. During the hot summer,  the top of the inner cover is alway covered with bees.  Surprisingly,  they tend not to use it as an entrance for flight traffic.

[danno]

I'm with Robo
Mine have never built in the top vent boxes (DE copies)  I screened the vent holes and left the inner cover open and this winter I filled the vent box with a book of straw

[RogerB]

I second Robo and Danno.  I've been using Tin Arheit's version (honeyrunapiaries.com) for three years and haven't experienced any comb building in the 3" space.

Roger

[BjornBee]

I'm hoping to improve the ventilation of my hives this summer by adding what is essentially a modified shallow super with screened holes drilled in the sides. This "ventilation box" will sit above the inner cover and below the top cover. My question is: will the bees be tempted to fill this open space with comb? Should I also screen the hole in the inner cover to prevent the bees from accessing the open space above? Thank you for your advice/help.

I think the key was Robo's comment, along the lines of having enough supers on, to not allow them to get to the point that they will need to fill the void.

But will they if they need the room?....You bet!

Here is an extra box that was left on by mistake above the inner cover.

[Keith13]

Have to disagree with all the experts on this one.  I've been using ventilation boxes similar to the DE ventilation boxes for over 5 years now and have not had one ever build comb in the ventilation box.  And although the DE hive recommends screening off the holes,  I found that if the bees don't have access to the vent box to patrol,  you get all kinds of spiders, ants, earwigs etc taking up home in there, so after the first season I removed all the screen and have not had a single issue.  I use 2 oblong holes in my inner covers that are perpendicular to the frames so air flow is not limited to just the middle 2 frames,  where the DE has a round and 2 oblongs.  Either works. 

With that said,  if you do not give them enough room (empty supers) below the inner cover,  I'm sure you can force them to build above the inner cover.

Here is an exploded view of the old set up I use to use.

Here is one of my inner covers

Here is a DE inner cover (round hole under the jar)


Another option if the hive is strong and robbing is not a concern is to prop the outer cover with some shims.  This gives the bees a protected area to spread out and also reduces bearding. During the hot summer,  the top of the inner cover is alway covered with bees.  Surprisingly,  they tend not to use it as an entrance for flight traffic.

I just got how shims are supposed to work by seeing your bottom picture. I might have been doing things wrong

Keith