| Proper hive ventilation is a very important issue. |
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Some beekeepers like to move the outer cover back about a half
an inch. The telescoping cover sits on top of the front of
the inner cover. But sometimes it is not enough, especially
if your hives are in a hot climate. Personally, I don't like this idea, especially if you have ant colonies near your bee yard. The second disadvantage of such approach is stimulation of robbery by local bees and a possibility of diseases transmission as bees from neighboring colonies can visit your hives without problem. For my hives I have been using my Temperature Humidity Self Control Unit (THSCU) since 2003 and have installed these units in 12 hives. |
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"New durable Hive Stand with Ventilated Bottom Board. The Ventilated Bottom Board has a mite screen and a inspection/clean out drawer. The Hive Stand has reversible wet/dry deflectors that can be filled with oil or water for ant control. The legs elevate the hive off of the ground. Plastic components are made with Hi-Impact Resin for durability. A UV Inhibitor for long life. The plastic is paintable for personalized colors. Plastic mite screen is removable for easy cleaning. A slanted floor directs debris to the cleaning drawer/trap. Weight capacity is over 1000 lbs. Available in Green only. Shipping weight is 10 lbs. Price: $32.50" (Dadant & Sons) |
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"Ventilation is very important to the health of the hive. It can be
especially important in the winter in colder climates as well as during
the heat of the summer. We have found an upper entrance so moisture can
escape the hive in the winter combined with insulation so the moisture
does not condense on the underside of inner cover and drip down on the
cluster significantly improves overwintering success. Developed over several years, we feel out all season inner cover provides not only appropriate ventilation and insulation during the winter, but also allows easy access for late or early season feeding, plus the benefits of passive cross flow ventilation during the summer without the cost of other systems." (A Division of Honey Run Apiaries) |
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"Our Modification kit is an add-on for the standard hive, for
the bee keeper with a number of hives who wishes to improve
on the Langstroth or the standard North American hive.
Independently tested, increases production and hive products
by 85%. The Inner Cover is plywood rather than masonite. We have found that the shiny surface of masonite will sweat and the water beads up. In Winter the condensation freezes and in the Spring melts and eventually this condensation will drip back into the cluster. It is cleated to provide bee space on both sides and mesh covered holes provide ventilation. We have also provided a Winter top opening, which can be opened and closed as needed. Next is the Ventilation Box. The same as the honey super but with slanted screened holes to provide through ventilation. This works on the same principle as the soffit vents in our houses. The ventilation is controllable, in the Summer we need maximum ventilation and in the winter it is drastically reduced. The roof has 3 ventilation holes on the front, it's cleated on the inside to make it ride on top of the ventilation box. One to provide a large open area, the same as our attics, two to provide space for feeder pails etc. So much for the mechanics, now to explain our thinking regarding ventilating bee hives." (The Bee Works) |
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