I have an idea for inner cover and want opinions

[forrestcav]

So i've thinking of making what equipment I can. I've been thinking SHB hate light and retreat from it. And I know one company just came out with a translucent inner cover. Why not cut out your plywood cover as usual, then cut out two squares on either side. You would leave a strip in the center forthe normal hole, but cover the larger holes with cloroplast (election signs). This would allow more light in especially if you used a plastic cover from Walter Kelly. Opinions?

[VolunteerK9]

Only one way to find out. Try it and if it works someone else will take the credit for it and make thousands  :-D

[Bee-Bop]

Great;
BUT bees like complete darkness !!

Or so I've been told and have seen since 1961.

Bee-Bop

[BlueBee]

I don't have SHB, but I'm skeptical a little light would detour them.  However as K9 says, sometimes the only way to answer a question is with experimentation. 

Bee Bop also makes a good point.  Maybe you should experiment with red LEDs in the hive as opposed to translucent inner covers?  Bees supposedly don't see red light.  Can the beetles see red light?   Who knows.

[forrestcav]

is there a reason bees prefer complete darkness?

[jmblakeney]

Are you planning on using a translucent inner cover only?  No outer cover?

[forrestcav]

one of the Walter Kelly White plastic telescoping covers.

[AllenF]

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,28107.0.html

[forrestcav]

guess it's been tried before. any updates?