inspection in hot weather

Dange · July 21, 2011, 11:14:29 AM

when is a good time to inspect when heat index has been around 100? or should i leave them alone until it cools down?

Larry Bees · July 21, 2011, 11:26:24 AM

In this hot weather, I go out at first light. I mean I'm out at the hives ready to open them as soon as I can see inside. That's when it's the coolest that it will be all day. Larry

indypartridge · July 21, 2011, 11:56:58 AM

Inspecting in this heat is much more uncomfortable for you than for them. If there is no real need to inspect right now, make it easier on yourself and put it off a few days until temps fall back into the normal range. Otherwise, pick the coolest part of the day that you can.

BlueBee · July 21, 2011, 01:53:37 PM

Get up early, even in this heat wave, the temps drop down to a cool 80F by dawn. Between dawn and 8am it's almost bearable.

I moved a recent split that was bursting at the seams into a full sized hive today and was soaking wet by the time I got done. Wanted to get that done before it hit 100F. Times like this make me kick myself for not listening to JP and his ventilated bee suit.

L Daxon · July 21, 2011, 03:35:34 PM

Yes, that heat has convinced me I need to get an UltraBreeze jacket next chance I get (they were developed here in Oklahoma). Anything to cool down even a couple of degrees would be helpful.

And i agree, the heat is probably much worse on us keeps than the girls. But going as early as possible in the day is probably best for both.

tom · July 21, 2011, 04:36:23 PM

Will the heat hurt my girls some are in the sun and some are not they seem to be doing fine i have plenty of water around. Or should i do something for themi mean it is hot but as i said they seem to be doing fine.

Thomas

Michael Bush · July 22, 2011, 01:30:21 AM

If you don't have a good reason, leave them alone in the heat of the day. A hive can get rapidly overheated when they can't control the ventilation to cool it. Combs can collapse as the wax gets soft from the heat. If you don't have a pressing reason, leave them alone.

mikecva · July 22, 2011, 08:32:02 AM

I have two screws on the inner cover to prop the outer cover up be ~1/2 inch. This allowes the hot air to move up and out to help with the ventilation. As for when to inspect, as others said, I go early in the morning and stay as little as I can. -Mike

Shanevrr · July 22, 2011, 08:46:08 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on July 22, 2011, 01:30:21 AM
If you don't have a good reason, leave them alone in the heat of the day. A hive can get rapidly overheated when they can't control the ventilation to cool it. Combs can collapse as the wax gets soft from the heat. If you don't have a pressing reason, leave them alone.

michael...do you do anything to help with hot temps, prop lid or anything?