Top Entrance or Ventillation

Pond Creek Farm · July 02, 2009, 10:06:44 PM

I did not want to hijack Annette's thread about her nuc box split, so I started a new one. I saw in the pictures a device I have not seen before. On top, just under the cover, was a box with with holes in it. Is this for ventillation or entrances? What are the benefits of using this device? Are there any drawbacks? Does this device stay on through all seasons?

Bee-Bop · July 02, 2009, 10:19:48 PM

That's a venilation box, a outfit in Canada has plans for them on the net.[ Sorry can't remember the name, new computer, somebody help }

I use them on all my hives, the holes you see have window screen on the inside, and several large holes on the bottom which I also screen with # 8 , then set my jar feeders on these. I also have a closeable upper entrance built in the 3/8 bee space under the bottom of it.

During the winter I place cardboard over the inner holes and place wood chips as insulation.

Really needed ???, but I like to build things !

Bee-Bop

gwalker314 · July 02, 2009, 10:59:13 PM

I built a couple of them with plans fom Honey Run Apairies. Its called an All Season Inner Cover. They also sell them.

annette · July 03, 2009, 02:06:20 AM

Yep that is where I purchased mine. From HoneyRunApiaries. They are for ventilation and they also give an upper entrance. Since using them I no longer have any bearding on the front of the hives even when we get into the 100's. Also they are great for winter because of that upper entrance, I no longer have moisture problems in the hive in the winter.

Here is the link

http://www.honeyrunapiaries.com/store/season-inner-cover-p-50.html?osCsid=3d1bf9859785fa2e384cd5d55054e14d

Joelel · July 03, 2009, 02:29:55 AM

Quote from: Pond Creek Farm on July 02, 2009, 10:06:44 PM
I did not want to hijack Annette's thread about her nuc box split, so I started a new one. I saw in the pictures a device I have not seen before. On top, just under the cover, was a box with with holes in it. Is this for ventillation or entrances? What are the benefits of using this device? Are there any drawbacks? Does this device stay on through all seasons?

A good way to vent your hives is to drill upward holes in the suppers or upper body and put staple screen over the holes on the inside.

Pond Creek Farm · July 03, 2009, 03:40:45 PM

Thanks for the information, I will give them a look. Bee-Bop, what are the numbers on the corners of your boxes, and what is their function?

Bee-Bop · July 03, 2009, 06:51:56 PM

The numbers on the box corners are for my attempted record keeping :roll:

My hives are all " named " A thru F

I use all medium boxes;
on the first hive " Amy" the 3 bottom brood boxes are #A1, #A2, #A3.
Above these are randon numbered boxes as supers.[ the Queen will sometimes go into the 4th box with a little brood ]

This way I can shift brood boxs such as #A3, #A1, # A2 , etc and keep a date, & why record.
I also write down the box # and date when I add a super.

Not perfect but beekeeping for me is a hobby it ain't rocket sci.

Bee-Bop

PS. The real Queen Bee says we need to go visit Battlefield Mall & the near by Olive Garden soon.

Pond Creek Farm · July 03, 2009, 07:30:37 PM

Get ready for traffic. I just left there, and it is a mess. Hwy 65 will be difficult this evening with many exits closed due to the I Love America fireworks show. Thanks for the info on the bees.

gwalker314 · July 17, 2009, 10:41:25 PM

Quick question for those who use the all season inner cover. Is the entrance on the inner cover open year round? If so can the bees keep robbers, ants and such out if you are using a bottom and top entrance?
Thanks
GW

annette · July 18, 2009, 12:40:50 AM

Quote from: gwalker314 on July 17, 2009, 10:41:25 PM
Quick question for those who use the all season inner cover. Is the entrance on the inner cover open year round? If so can the bees keep robbers, ants and such out if you are using a bottom and top entrance?
Thanks
GW

The entrance is open all year long and I have not seen any problems with robber bees or ants due to the top entrance. The entrance is guarded by the bees just like the bottom entrance is.