Hive Ventilation Question

[Devbee]

Hello beekeeping friends,

I am getting my first hive in a package in a week and am making final preparations.  I have the basic setup, including an inner cover with an oval-shaped hole in the middle of it and then a small hole cut into the rim on the edge of it.

Question: I am afraid that if I leave that small hole exposed (by, for example, not blocking it with my telescoping top), then it will create a top entrance that could allow robbing more easily (or at the very least, not let me reduce their entrance as effectively because they would have two entrances).  However, if I position the telescoping top to block the hole, I wonder how the hive will be ventilated without a way for air to escape through the small hole in the top.  Are these valid concerns?  What should I do?

I am considering buying a wire mesh of some sort and then trying to staple it over the small hole to get the ventilation but block the entrance.  Is that a good idea?

Thanks!

[KONASDAD]

Most people place the notch on the inner cover down in winter for air flow and upper entrance, and up in summer. Many also place a small stick or wedge or shim under their inner cover in summer to allow more circulation. I prop the top when it warms up a lot, and by then the hive is strong enough to prevent robbing. Find out what local beeks do near you. Some also dont use inner covers at all, and still others go w/a plain old board for a top. The choices are many.

[Understudy]

Hello beekeeping friends,

I am getting my first hive in a package in a week and am making final preparations.  I have the basic setup, including an inner cover with an oval-shaped hole in the middle of it and then a small hole cut into the rim on the edge of it.

congradulations on your first hive package. I believe if you turn the cover over the small hole prevents access.

Question: I am afraid that if I leave that small hole exposed (by, for example, not blocking it with my telescoping top), then it will create a top entrance that could allow robbing more easily (or at the very least, not let me reduce their entrance as effectively because they would have two entrances).  However, if I position the telescoping top to block the hole, I wonder how the hive will be ventilated without a way for air to escape through the small hole in the top.  Are these valid concerns?  What should I do?

It is unlikely that such a small opening would allow for robbers. You can turn the inner cover over. I wouldn't worry to much. What you may want to do since you are in Texas is go with a top entrance. Prop the cover up with some sticks and put and entrance reducer on the bottom with the smallest setting.

I am considering buying a wire mesh of some sort and then trying to staple it over the small hole to get the ventilation but block the entrance.  Is that a good idea?

Thanks!

You don't have to.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Michael Bush]

>then it will create a top entrance

That's what it is supposed to do.  You can put it up or down.  As long as the telescopic cover is forward it will make a top entrance.  As long as the telescopic cover is back it will not.

[thegolfpsycho]

I leave mine with the vent hole down year round.  When the colony is small, or coming out of winter, they really seem to prefer it for an entrance.  It is easy for them to defend, maintains ventilation.  A win win.  If your in a warm climate, it's an expensive piece of equipment.  But if your in a winter wonderland, it sure helps with moisture buildup and feeding.