Hives in sun or shade

filmmlif · April 26, 2007, 08:33:52 PM

i live in texas and i'm fortunate enough to have my 6 hives in the shade of a few large trees...but is that a good thing? it seems they leave the hive later than bees in the sun because it's cooler. they do get a few hours of sun but i wanted to avoid lots of it. what does everyone think about hives in the shade in texas?

Understudy · April 26, 2007, 08:34:57 PM

Bees like full sun. Early Morning sun is very important to bees.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Mklangelo · April 26, 2007, 09:55:55 PM

Eastern facing entrances and perhaps a bit of shade in the afternoons is good as I understand.

JP · April 26, 2007, 10:55:47 PM

sun in the morning, shade in the evening.

Michael Bush · April 27, 2007, 12:29:46 AM

>but is that a good thing?

When you're working them you'll think so. But they seem to produce more and have less problems in full sun.

Jerrymac · April 27, 2007, 12:32:09 AM

Mine is in full sun and with open screened bottoms I never see any problems with heat.

indypartridge · April 27, 2007, 09:30:44 AM

When I heard Jamie Ellis speak on small hive beetle, he said the beetles like shade, so full sun is preferred.

Ross · April 27, 2007, 11:40:02 AM

I just moved my last two from evening shade to full sun. I'm in Texas too.

Hi-Tech · April 27, 2007, 11:43:39 AM

My fist year I had hives in the shade. Hive beetles were everywhere! Moved them to full sun and hive beetle problems improved dramatically!

JP · April 28, 2007, 12:40:18 PM

It gets so hot here in the summer that I think the bees appreciate a little shade, and I know I do. Never have had problem with shb.

thegolfpsycho · April 28, 2007, 06:30:27 PM

My bees are in full sun also. It may be an illusion, but the summer heat sure seems to help keep the mites down. I certainly wouldn't consider it cure all, but I see less chalk brood, and seems like fewer mites. Just bring 2 gallons of water when working them... some to drink, some to wear.