closing entrance for a day

[derrick1p1]

I have some yard work that I need help with.  I will be paying someone to help clear some kudzu and brush from an area in my back yard.  We will be about 5-10ft away from my hives (some will be closer than others).  If I were to work alone, I would leave the hives open.  But since I will have some one with me for a few hours, I would like to close up the hives, just in case he gets too close to the hives while we are clearing brush. 

Will they be okay if I close them up for a day?  (I can use some baggie feeders to help feed them in the meantime).

Anyone else ever closed up their hives to do work around them?

Thanks,
Derrick

[Frantz]

You'll be fine.
Close them in the early morn, and then open them as soon as you can. Remember to give them plenty of ventilation. Close them with a screen if you can.
F

[annette]

The only thing I am thinking is the weather. I know the bees need to bring in about a quart of water per hive just to keep the hive cool in the hot weather. How will they keep the hive cool without the water???

Just a thought. Anyone have any ideas??? Perhaps you can fill up a hive top feeder with water??

Annette

[JP]

The only thing I am thinking is the weather. I know the bees need to bring in about a quart of water per hive just to keep the hive cool in the hot weather. How will they keep the hive cool without the water???

Just a thought. Anyone have any ideas??? Perhaps you can fill up a hive top feeder with water??

Annette

This is a great suggestion.

Also, are you using sbbs? If so you can worry less.

Don't worry about them starving, I've closed hives before up to a week and they were fine afterwards.


...JP

[Michael Bush]

If you have a screened bottom board, put it on along with an entrance block for a cover.  With a ventilated cover they will do better. With a quart jar of water on top of the screen they will do even better.  Screen the entrance shut as well so they have ventilation top and bottom.