Ventilation

[johnwm73]

I was thinking of venting my hives. Last night about 10:30 I went out and they were bearding on the front. It got up to 95 degrees yesterday and supposed to be around 90 all week. Could I use pieces of wood about 1/4" thick and place in the corners between my 2 hive bodies and just keep the area between the hive bodies clean of propolis? That way I will have an area the length on the hive to ventilate through.

[jimmy]

I read somewhere to place ice cream sticks b-tween top cover and super to vent. However we have those old love bugs in Louisiana this time of year ,I don't want those things in my honey.I 'm waiting until they run their race and are gone b-4 venting. jimmy

[Ross]

I prop all of my tops after the cool weather is over.  It helps with ventilation and drying of honey.  Any size stick that creates an airspace will provide some ventilation and let hot air out the top.  1/4" or larger and you also create a top entrance. 

[johnwm73]

Well I am still feeding my nucs. They seem to not have enough nectar to draw out the comb and still taking the syrup. They take about a gallon every 3-4 days. Is this unusual?

[bjpbike]

HI

   First off quit bragging about how hot is is, were barely getting past 60 here LOL

   Anyhow a couple of push pins in the corners holds the cover up just right. Not my idea just got it from an older and more experience person

[KONASDAD]

Although not needed this year as of yet, I use screened botom boards, slatted racks and an all season vented cover on my hives. The combination does an excellent job both winter and summer for stabilizing temps and controlling bearding.

[HAB]

Its currently 4:30 Pm and 92F 40% humidity.  Moved mine under a large Red Oak such that the Sunrise hits them and then stays on them until about 10:00AM.  Then the get more late aftenoon sun.  They really seem to like that Midday Shade, no hanging on the front and are still so gentle. :)

[Ross]

I have mine on open SBB year around.  Once it hits 90+, I start propping tops up with a stick.

[utahbeekeeper]

I use migratory lids over an inner cover.  I slide the lids forward to expose the notch in inner cover for vent.  Also have cut out a half inch by 3 inch entrance from the bottom front of half my supers for additional entrances/vents.  Have fashioned tight fitting plugs to re-seal those entrances should I want to.  As much as I believe in upper entrances during flows, I did not want to use the Imirie shim as I didn't like the extra bee space or having to store the shims when not in use.  Also run SBB's which, along with a powdered sugar spritzing 3 times a season are my only mite control.  For me, it all seems to work very well.

Typical Utah Wx . . . yesterday a new record high of 93 degrees . . .  today  49 degrees and solid SBB bottoms slid back in.