Heat stress??

RangerBrad · April 15, 2009, 09:32:04 AM

Howdy folks,Do any of yal worry about heat stress on your bees with the hives in full sun in the middle of summer? What are some of the signs and consequences of heat stress on bees? Thank's, Brad

JP · April 15, 2009, 09:58:31 AM

I have seen hives that picked bad spots in attic spaces where they most likely swarmed in, early spring, and come summer time the intense heat from the sun warmed the comb sections to such a degree that softened them and made the heavy honeycomb sections fall on top of the sheetrock ceiling below.

The usual scenario is one that has a brick exterior where the bricks absorb so much heat that it radiates upon the hive and causes this to happen. The bees clean up the honey and repair the comb sections albeit the hive is one ugly duckling.

Of course attics like described are closed environments devoid of ventilation.

I don't believe I would use a metal top cover where it gets really hot, but woodenware should be fine. Could always use screen bottom boards or slatted racks and other means to increase ventilation in intense heat.

Bees will gather more water to cool the hive in intense heat.

...JP

Bee-Bop · April 15, 2009, 10:56:42 AM

When it get real hot, 95 plus or so, bees will start to beard, then may swarm !

I use SBB & venilated tops,if they are still bearding, then I offset boxes.

Water of course is kept about 15 ft. in front of the hives { I understand bees prefer warm water }

Use the search feature on the forum lots of answers to most questions !

Oh, join your local bee club, see how your neighbors do it !

Bee Keeping is only a expensive hobby !!

Bee-Bop

Michael Bush · April 15, 2009, 11:13:14 PM

As long as they have room, water and ventilation, no, they do great in the heat.

Scadsobees · April 16, 2009, 01:15:33 PM

It is usually the beekeeper with a full suit on and headgear and gloves that needs to be worried about more than the bees in the heat. :roll:

Doesn't take long to get woozy.

RangerBrad · April 17, 2009, 01:58:26 AM

Will a screened bottom board and a top cover with a stick under it be enough ventilation?

What about the heat melting or badly softening the wax?? Thank's, Brad

Brian D. Bray · April 17, 2009, 02:03:35 AM

Quote from: RangerBrad on April 17, 2009, 01:58:26 AM
Will a screened bottom board and a top cover with a stick under it be enough ventilation?

What about the heat melting or badly softening the wax?? Thank's, Brad

1st answer is yes!

2nd answer is depends! If the comb is relatively new it is possible, if the comb is more than 3 months old it is unlikely unless the hive is exposed to stifling heat both within and without, ie, an extremely hot day and absolutely no ventilation to the hive except for a small entrance. A good example is ferals bees in an attic crawl space.