bees bearding

[filmmlif]

at one of my 7 hives the girls are gathered above and around the hive entrance...@ 10 inches by 10 inches square. its been @ 100 degrees and ive been wondering if they're cooling off or doing the swarming thing...any thoughts?
by the way, i had just added a honey super so i know they have enough room. and the colony is a new one this year.
thnx

[Jerrymac]

What kind of ventilation do you have on the hives? I have screen bottoms opened up completely. About a foot off the ground. These 100+ temps we've had here hasn't caused any bearding at all. They just go on about their duties.

[filmmlif]

i dont have screened bottoms...sounds like i need em.
all my hives are in full shade so that helps.
any idea where i can get plans to convert standard bottom boards into secreened bottom boards?

[thegolfpsycho]

I built one extra bottom and gave it to a freind.  He cut a 10x10 hole, put hardware cloth across the hole.  Then took some half inch material and cut a saw kerf the length of it.  Then attached it around the hole.  Made a piece of plastic to slide in the saw kerf.  I just rotate them in.. .giving him the one I pull to doctor up.  Works well

[Jerrymac]

Here is one idea;

http://www.beesource.com/plans/ipmbottom.pdf

[leominsterbeeman]

You can even just prop the outer cover by a 1/4 if an inch in the back of the hive with a stick, pencil, pebble, anything and this will increase the airflow.

[Anonymous]

You can even just prop the outer cover by a 1/4 if an inch in the back of the hive with a stick, pencil, pebble, anything and this will increase the airflow.

I use beer bottle caps...  There always seems to be a few around my house.   :roll:  :lol: