Use of Inner Covers

Two Bees · February 13, 2010, 08:06:46 PM

I have been talking with several more experienced beeks at my local association concerning inner covers. It appears that a significant percentage (about 1/3 but unscientific) do not use inner covers at all. Currently, I use inner covers so I can feed through the inner cover hole.

What do you prefer.................covered or coverless? :-D

Ollie · February 13, 2010, 08:46:02 PM

Personally I used the inner covers because it make it easier to open up the hive.
no burr comb in between the telescopic cover and the inner cover.
I can get my hive tool under the inner cover and separate the frames from the inner cover. The telescoping cover has little sides on it that make it hard to do that...

buzzbee · February 13, 2010, 09:21:19 PM

If using a migratory outer cover,no inner cover is necessary.If using a telescopic cover,it would only be a matter of time until they make it nearly impossible to lift off he cover without an inner cover.

contactme_11 · February 13, 2010, 09:42:58 PM

It's really hard to get a tele. cover off without an inner cover. If nothing else just use a piece of 1/2 plywood as an inner cover.

wd · February 13, 2010, 10:02:54 PM

I use(d) a plastic propolis trap instead of the inner cover. I didn't have a problem taking the cover off with that on. I have three inner covers I haven't used to date.

I forgot to mention, I was finding wax moth larvae in the propolis on the traps with bees in the hive but no where else that I could see. Made me question their use.

iddee · February 13, 2010, 10:50:36 PM

DITTO Ollie and Buzzbee.

Don't use an inner cover with no hole in it if you have ants in the area. Also, turn the flat side down and the open space upward during ant season.

Jim134 · February 14, 2010, 12:56:33 AM

DITTO Ollie and Buzzbee

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

Michael Bush · February 14, 2010, 04:52:52 AM

I went to the simple lids with top entrances and quit using inner covers. I think they help with condensation, but so does the top entrance.

David LaFerney · February 14, 2010, 04:26:34 PM

I've noticed on several youtube videos that some European beekeepers use a sheet of plastic instead of an inner cover and a block of styrofoam for an outer. I'm going to try that this year, just because it makes for a lot less work building woodenware. And because I already have some suitable styro. It looks like it should work fine - if it doesn't blow off.

Jim134 · February 14, 2010, 06:09:18 PM

Quote from: David LaFerney on February 14, 2010, 04:26:34 PM
I've noticed on several youtube videos that some European beekeepers use a sheet of plastic instead of an inner cover and a block of styrofoam for an outer. I'm going to try that this year, just because it makes for a lot less work building woodenware. And because I already have some suitable styro. It looks like it should work fine - if it doesn't blow off.

Tell us how at work out for you hope it will

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

Ollie · February 14, 2010, 06:52:22 PM

in the winter I use sytro foam above the inner cover, it helps keep things dry because the condensation (dew point ) is above the styro and that's waterproof..so dry critters for the winter.

My inners all have a 1/2 X 3/8 notch on one end (front -back) and only on one side (up-down), in the spring summer the notch is down, in the winter the notch is up...also all my hives lean forward (toward the entrance) just a little, I think that if condensation forms, it 'll run off rather than fall on the bees, I don't know if it is the styro or the tilt, I don't really care. Also I have open screen bottoms, no paper or anything to block the wind, the girls have to suck it up! ...bummer for the mites tough!
So far this year, 7 out of 7 and one of those is a ten frame only...

which brings me to a new topic....early feeding experiences.

homer · February 14, 2010, 07:45:21 PM

I think the biggest advantage to the Styrofoam on inner cover is that it keeps it warmer than the sides, so the condensation forms on the sides, thus allowing it to run down the sides rather than dripping off the top.

*** This info is really courtesy of ROBO, as he is the one to enlighten me ***

wd · March 08, 2010, 02:16:48 PM

I'm reluctant to post this as it may be a bad example, the colony is now gone, I didn't shoot any pictures when occupied plus it seems pointless. However, this hive lived with a tele cover and a propolis trap only for over three years in partial shade. They would have been four years old if they hadn't vanished while I was out of state working. No dead were left behind.

Wax moth was found in the propolis with bees in the hive.

Quote from: wd on February 13, 2010, 10:02:54 PM
I use(d) a plastic propolis trap instead of the inner cover. I didn't have a problem taking the cover off with that on. I have three inner covers I haven't used to date.

I forgot to mention, I was finding wax moth larvae in the propolis on the traps with bees in the hive but no where else that I could see. Made me question their use.