even to hot for the bees

slacker361 · May 30, 2011, 10:16:21 PM

We have been in the 60 -70's for the last couple of months mostly rain, and then today in mid 90's and even the bees didnt want to work just hang out on the front porch.....

tillie · May 30, 2011, 10:23:47 PM

A slatted rack would help on that middle hive.

Linda T in ATlanta

Larry Bees · May 30, 2011, 10:29:27 PM

I see that some of those hives are not painted. Is there some kind of clear sealer on them? Larry

slacker361 · May 30, 2011, 10:59:05 PM

boiled linseed oil.... I like the natural wood look.....

slatted rack ... where does that go????

buzzbee · May 30, 2011, 11:08:10 PM

Quote from: slacker361 on May 30, 2011, 10:59:05 PM
boiled linseed oil.... I like the natural wood look.....

slatted rack ... where does that go????

Between the bottom board and the bottom box. Or you could wedge the telescoping cover up with a small stick to encourage more airflow.

iddee · May 30, 2011, 11:49:20 PM

Or you can do as I do and enjoy the beard. To me, it's a sign of a healthy hive.

slacker361 · May 30, 2011, 11:51:46 PM

i have the screened bottom board ....do you still need a rack with that?

tillie · May 31, 2011, 12:06:20 AM

It depends on where you are and how hot it gets and how many bees are in your hive. I run all of my hives with a screened bottom board, a slatted rack, and beer bottle caps raising up the telescoping cover a little - and I don't have beards on the front of my hives even in Atlanta, GA except on the hottest of hot days and then it's a small beard, comparatively.

Linda T

Larry Bees · May 31, 2011, 12:18:13 PM

Quote from: slacker361 on May 30, 2011, 10:59:05 PM
boiled linseed oil.... I like the natural wood look.....

slatted rack ... where does that go????

Yes, the natural wood look is nice. Thanks, Larry

KD4MOJ · May 31, 2011, 12:31:37 PM

Maybe I need some slats... the beard completely covers my hives and most of the sides. They are healthy... and NOT THE FIRST SHB SEEN in my inspections on Saturday. :devilbanana: Amazing what putting them in full sun did.

...DOUG
KD4MOJ

Matthew207 · June 02, 2011, 08:35:27 PM

How, exactly, do you know when to put in a slatted bar?

tillie · June 02, 2011, 09:45:36 PM

I would prefer that my bees not be hanging out on the front of the hive, assuming that hanging on the slatted rack offers some opportunity for taking moisture out of the hive. So I keep them on my hives - I don't put them on at a certain point. I simply put the hive together that way to begin with and leave them there.

If you want to add one to a hive, I'd say you would want to add it because and therefore when the bees start heavily bearding.

Linda T in Atlanta

AllenF · June 02, 2011, 11:01:02 PM

But, not many people out there use slatted racks. I like to see my bees beard. It shows I got a good hive there.

tillie · June 03, 2011, 01:25:20 AM

Brian uses them and I learned about them from him on this forum early in my beekeeping journey. It made such a difference in how my hives are ventilated that I've never looked back.

Between Brian and Michael, I've learned almost every little nuance that makes my hives work better - aren't we all lucky that they take the time they do to respond to so many of our questions and worries?

Linda T in Atlanta

joebrown · June 03, 2011, 07:05:34 AM

They also have those screened inner covers now that people say help with ventilation. Especially when combined with a SBB. I have not used them personally though!

Keith13 · June 03, 2011, 08:30:02 AM

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Yep hit 102 here yesterday. only happens on my hives with migratory tops

Keith

AllenF · June 03, 2011, 01:12:43 PM

Sweet beard.

tillie · June 03, 2011, 01:49:42 PM

QuoteThey also have those screened inner covers now that people say help with ventilation. Especially when combined with a SBB.

I own two of those for 8 frames and it really helps. I don't love using them because you have to remember to trade them out in the winter for a regular inner cover - unlike the SBB and slatted rack.

Linda T in Atlanta

yockey5 · June 12, 2011, 01:43:20 PM

Good pics!