Water in oil tray new hive

Started by labradorfarms, April 16, 2014, 12:02:35 AM

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labradorfarms

Ok I installed a Freeman SHB trap. Didn't put any oil or water in it Monday.. Went to do that today pulled out the tray and it had water inside!!!!!
Not much mind you but a little..... Should I be worried my hive is leaking? The Bees  stayed dry as far as I could tell  after the heavy rain last night... temps diped into the high 30's..

My hives are pretty level from side to side and slightly leaning forward to let water and condesation run out.

RHBee

If your bottom board has a landing porch water can get in the oil tray. I'm redesigning my bottom board oil trays because of the same issue. Try increasing the forward tilt a little more. I want my hives level so I'm reducing the size of my bottom entrance, providing a top entrance and making my landing area out of screen. Water made a real mess for me.
Later,
Ray

Kathyp

QuoteI want my hives level so I'm reducing the size of my bottom entrance,

no you don't.   ;)

condensation in the hive will run down or drip down.  you want it to run down the front or back of the hive, thus the tip toward the front or back.  i prefer front since i work from the back and want it tipped a bit away from me.

lab, there will be moisture in the hive.  there must be.  excess (see above) will go down and sometimes into your oil tray.  most oil trays tell you to put water in them and oil on top.  saves oil.  at any rate, the water won't hurt anything and you just need to worry if it's more than a bit.  if you find your tray full of water you didn't put in there, you have a problem.
The people the people are the rightful masters of both congresses and courts not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it.

Abraham  Lincoln
Speech in Kansas, December 1859

RHBee

Quote from: kathyp on April 16, 2014, 12:08:54 PM
QuoteI want my hives level so I'm reducing the size of my bottom entrance,

no you don't.   ;)

condensation in the hive will run down or drip down.  you want it to run down the front or back of the hive, thus the tip toward the front or back.  i prefer front since i work from the back and want it tipped a bit away from me.

lab, there will be moisture in the hive.  there must be.  excess (see above) will go down and sometimes into your oil tray.  most oil trays tell you to put water in them and oil on top.  saves oil.  at any rate, the water won't hurt anything and you just need to worry if it's more than a bit.  if you find your tray full of water you didn't put in there, you have a problem.

Kathy,
I forgot to mention that I'm adding a full width top entrance. Won't that take care of the condensation?
Later,
Ray

Kathyp

QuoteWon't that take care of the condensation?

nope.  condensation is a byproduct of life.  they breath, bring in water, dry honey, etc.  most of it does not come from the outside.  it comes from the inside. 

how does the top entrance get rid of condensation?  it will if it vents some of  the warm, moist, air....warm being the key.

top or bottom, doesn't matter much, but don't have both.
The people the people are the rightful masters of both congresses and courts not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it.

Abraham  Lincoln
Speech in Kansas, December 1859