inner covers

[ronwhite3030]

i personally have never used inner covers.is that wrong? and if it is why should I start and how do i use them properly and do you always have to havw them on or do you take them off at some point?

[Jim134]

If you use telescoping cover or Garden Hive Cover and  No Inner covers    hope you owe a chain saw  :evil:



    BEE HAPPY Jim 134   :)

[HomeBru]

I'd say that if you've never used inner covers and never had a problem, you're fine (some might say lucky... :-D)

I made a bastardization of a ventilated top and the Bushy Mtn Garden top that has what I'd call an "integral" inner cover. It's actually an inner cover with 4" walls with ventilation holes. My cedar shake roof sits on top of that.

Did it just to be interesting and because I grew up in northern MN and learned a LOT about roof ventilation and moisture buildup. This is my version of Warre's quilt cover.

J-

[ronwhite3030]

i am in northern california where the summers are hot and the winters are wet but not freezing what is the point of an inner cover?

[Kathyp]

they are convenient for jar feeding.  the outer cover can be propped open and the inner cover left down.  extra insulation.  a place for water to pool rather than dripping into the hive.  a place for dry sugar over the winter if you only want to put a few pounds on.  keeps outer cover from getting glued down. 

[AllenF]

They are not needed on migratory tops or plywood tops.   You will need them on telescoping tops.   You will not be able to pry them off then the bees glue them down.  You can't get a tool in there to break the glue.  They give SHB a hiding place when used.  But it is easier to smash them with the inner cover on.