Advice wanted from Desert Beekeepers! Im boiling here, hives about to melt.

mick · January 28, 2009, 02:17:08 AM

Ok, well its 112 degrees here and who knows what tomorrow?

I added an empty super on top, cracked the lid, soaked the ground around the hive, but it will be touch and go. So much new wax in there that is holding honey. I have a hose on the lid that is constantly drippling down the hive. The bees have bearded under a lip that is providing then with a constant drip. I dont know if they are taking turns or what, its too hot to look.

The smell of honey is strong, but no sign of ooze yet.

I cant do much more because I cant use any smoke. It would be insane to try and take away a super full of honey that is acting as a heat bank from these without smoke.

They seem to like the water.

Its going to be like this for a few more days yet.

Michael Bush · January 28, 2009, 06:46:24 AM

How close are they to water? Yes, water that is close will make a big difference.

mick · January 28, 2009, 09:56:50 PM

They are right next to acres of swamp so have plenty to drink, its just the heat.

The stream of water created by the hose running onto the lid is popular. They sit in its path, not away from it. Bees also seem to be deliberately blocking the entrance to stop the hot northerly gettin in. They are stacked 6 high, so it doesnt look like they are fanning.

tlynn · January 28, 2009, 11:53:29 PM

Holy cow! I just looked at your weather and it says 116 degrees! I think my geography is screwed up. I thought Melbourne was cooler and wetter like Sydney. Guess not. My wife and I went to Death Valley, California once in late spring when the temps were in the mid 110s. Very impressive!

Tracy

johnnybigfish · January 29, 2009, 12:21:00 AM

Where I live, im in a creek bottom...it gets hot here at my place just like yours !I put a bird waterer near my hives, and its always full of bees getting water! I fill it about every 2 to 3 days for 7 hives! I just dont know how those littlle bees can live in that heat, but they do! I figured the wax would melt!!!
Even the top lids will burn my hands if I touch them!And they are painted white!
Good luck with the heat! sounds like the bees are doing really well!

your friend,
john

mick · January 29, 2009, 12:24:13 AM

Yes its just ticked over 115 degrees, here, the hottest day in my life, thats for sure and they say we are having another week of this???????????????

I have reached a good combination of shade and drips on the hive, will post a pic soon. The buggers are still collecting, its about 150 in the sun. I will just have to let nature run its course I spose.

bugleman · January 29, 2009, 03:05:13 AM

Nice look'n hive Mate!

mick · January 29, 2009, 04:34:37 AM

Thanks mate, time will tell, I cant wait ti get in there, birst non fire ban I am in.

The sheet hangs on the clothes line, I move it during the day. It drags on the ground within its pot plant anchor, collects moisture from the pool on the ground and viola! the Coolgardie safe effect, well thats the plan. You can see the bees at the top of each hive< they are under the drips from the rim of each hive. The black line is a line of foam I used once for ab ill fit, it is soaking up the water and the bees are using is as a tap. This was taken at 115deg.

Where there are bunches of bees there is gently running or dripping water. You can see them climbing up to their mates.

There is something going on with the bunches on the ground. It is like they have precious cargo in their middle. One thing they might be doing, which is spooky, is soaking themselves then making a tunnell to get the cool breeze in. Under the clumps could be a very effective refrigeration system. I must look closer.

This is at 95deg, abt 7.30pm.

TwT · January 29, 2009, 06:38:56 AM

Dang mick that is hot, big ole hive you got there, seems like you did about all you could do with top and bottom ventilation, looks like you will get a good bt from that hive, didn't relies it got that hot over there, I feel for you man.

mick · January 29, 2009, 07:50:22 PM

Howdy Ted! Neither did I!

Koala John · January 30, 2009, 06:40:43 AM

Hey Mick, how did the bees go today? I am in Melbourne CBD, so if anything a fraction hotter than you up in the hills - about 113 or so today. I have a couple of hives that have no shade at all just a chicken waterer about 30 feet away. They have handled the heat extremely well and while they seem to be only foraging in the early morning, the rest of the time they seem to be bringing water. It's amazing how resilient they are. Thanks to your efforts with the water cooling, yours have it pretty easy in comparison, so relax mate! :-D :-D

KONASDAD · January 30, 2009, 05:07:43 PM

Elevate them and get rid of bottom board and replace with nothing or screened bottom board.

mick · January 31, 2009, 02:59:11 AM

They survived 116f. Just waiting for a chance to have a look.

robbo · January 31, 2009, 09:41:29 AM

Mick, I do the beach umbrella (not overly practicle I know) also when I see bearding - will be getting some 4" foam for next year I think

Dunno how you guys would be coping - I thought it was hot here!!!

Bee Babe · January 31, 2009, 03:27:56 PM

I have never seen a hive that high! Hope your bees make it. It gets hot here in Virginia...last year around 110 in August, but I have my hives under deciduous trees that give them shade in the summer and full sun in the cold winter. I keep bird baths filled daily with fresh water near each hive in the summer. Hate to appear ignorant, but what is "bearding"? I haven't heard that term before. Appreciate the info.

Koala John · January 31, 2009, 10:10:45 PM

How are the girls looking Mick? I opened mine just now and they are happy and pulled through fine. The comb was not damaged either. It's incredible what the bees can cope with, makes me realise how resilient and adaptive they really are.
Good luck,
John.

Brian D. Bray · January 31, 2009, 10:57:13 PM

Quote from: Bee Babe on January 31, 2009, 03:27:56 PM
I have never seen a hive that high! Hope your bees make it. It gets hot here in Virginia...last year around 110 in August, but I have my hives under deciduous trees that give them shade in the summer and full sun in the cold winter. I keep bird baths filled daily with fresh water near each hive in the summer. Hate to appear ignorant, but what is "bearding"? I haven't heard that term before. Appreciate the info.

If bearding is a unknown term then you need to read the Section at the top of the forum entitled "Beekeeping Terminology"

mick · February 01, 2009, 02:20:56 AM

Quote from: Bee Babe on January 31, 2009, 03:27:56 PM
I have never seen a hive that high! Hope your bees make it. It gets hot here in Virginia...last year around 110 in August, but I have my hives under deciduous trees that give them shade in the summer and full sun in the cold winter. I keep bird baths filled daily with fresh water near each hive in the summer. Hate to appear ignorant, but what is "bearding"? I haven't heard that term before. Appreciate the info.

Everythings Big Down Under!

Cindi · February 03, 2009, 09:44:37 PM

Quote from: Bee Babe on January 31, 2009, 03:27:56 PM
Hate to appear ignorant, but what is "bearding"? I haven't heard that term before. Appreciate the info.

BeeBabe, no such thing as appearing ignorant here, we all were learning one time or another. I have started a topic for you entitled "BeeBabe, this one is for you, bearding" look for it in the beekeeping forum, it will be an interesting thread and others need to see some pictures. Have a wonderful and most awesome day, Cindi