I'm a firm believer that the bees can manage the hive climate just fine, as long as the hive is well insulated. Adding Foamboard or better extruded cork seems to work well in combination with just a single 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 (diameter) inch opening.
I believe you’re right. I think that the galvanized roofs was making it harder for them than it should’ve been. I failed to mention in the video I do insulate above my frames. Thanks for the advice.
I insulate the top of my hives under the roof. Just like the attic on my house is set up. Double bubble over bars, then vent so hot air can escape then insulate right under roof. Stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter and moisture escapes.
Very good advice. I failed to mention in the video that the sides of my hives have inch and a half thick wood. I also use double bubble on top of my frames and three-quarter inch Styrofoam on top of it.
@simplytopbarbeekeeping2107 mine are an inch but I add wool after follower board in winter. Located in Wisconsin. I don't have the heat like you do, but winter is harsh. I worry all winter but they make it.
As i understand it, insulation allows them to regulate temperature in the hive better, whether outside temperatures are too cold or even too hot. Ventilation that the bees can shut off if they don't need it looks best to me. If white tops work well it couldn't hurt to paint the rest of the hive?
I failed to mention in the video that I do have insulation above the frames. You are giving very good advice. I may have to end up painting the hives white. It is amazing how much cooler they are with just painting the galvanized metal. I think even though there was insulation above the frames, the sun and the heat just transferred through it all into the hives.
I vented my tops off of the top board using 1/8” shims and I’ve been putting a block of ice in each hive wrapped in a doubled up beach towel. I put a 1x4 in front of the ice so any water runs off the sides and not the entrance. This is working great. I’ve had ice last 16 hours at 97 Fahrenheit. Within in one hour of putting the ice on the difference in the temperament and activity of the hives is amazing. I had a terrible year last year with the hive beetles but now, even with hives in mostly shade, I’ve got them under control using 2 hive beetle traps on the outside frame of each box and I spread diatomaceous earth around the legs of my hive stands.
It’s amazing how much we care for our bees, especially with the hotter summers we’ve been having. It sounds like you figured out what works in your area. Where are you located and how hot are your summer days? One other thing I’ve done since this video is I try to harvest and get a portion of the honey out before it gets really hot. Thanks for the comments.
I'm a firm believer that the bees can manage the hive climate just fine, as long as the hive is well insulated. Adding Foamboard or better extruded cork seems to work well in combination with just a single 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 (diameter) inch opening.
I believe you’re right. I think that the galvanized roofs was making it harder for them than it should’ve been. I failed to mention in the video I do insulate above my frames. Thanks for the advice.
I insulate the top of my hives under the roof. Just like the attic on my house is set up. Double bubble over bars, then vent so hot air can escape then insulate right under roof. Stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter and moisture escapes.
Very good advice. I failed to mention in the video that the sides of my hives have inch and a half thick wood. I also use double bubble on top of my frames and three-quarter inch Styrofoam on top of it.
@simplytopbarbeekeeping2107 mine are an inch but I add wool after follower board in winter. Located in Wisconsin. I don't have the heat like you do, but winter is harsh. I worry all winter but they make it.
As i understand it, insulation allows them to regulate temperature in the hive better, whether outside temperatures are too cold or even too hot. Ventilation that the bees can shut off if they don't need it looks best to me. If white tops work well it couldn't hurt to paint the rest of the hive?
I failed to mention in the video that I do have insulation above the frames. You are giving very good advice. I may have to end up painting the hives white. It is amazing how much cooler they are with just painting the galvanized metal. I think even though there was insulation above the frames, the sun and the heat just transferred through it all into the hives.
I vented my tops off of the top board using 1/8” shims and I’ve been putting a block of ice in each hive wrapped in a doubled up beach towel. I put a 1x4 in front of the ice so any water runs off the sides and not the entrance. This is working great. I’ve had ice last 16 hours at 97 Fahrenheit. Within in one hour of putting the ice on the difference in the temperament and activity of the hives is amazing. I had a terrible year last year with the hive beetles but now, even with hives in mostly shade, I’ve got them under control using 2 hive beetle traps on the outside frame of each box and I spread diatomaceous earth around the legs of my hive stands.
It’s amazing how much we care for our bees, especially with the hotter summers we’ve been having. It sounds like you figured out what works in your area. Where are you located and how hot are your summer days? One other thing I’ve done since this video is I try to harvest and get a portion of the honey out before it gets really hot. Thanks for the comments.