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Hives and Summer

Overview

Based on the weather in your area, you may need to help your bees keep from overheating. Some ideas to consider include:

• Ensure the bees have access to safe water. It doesn't have to be clean: in fact sometimes bees seem to seek out the nastiest looking water, even when clearer options are available. Maybe there is something in the water they need.
• Give the colonies shade. This can also cause the hive beetle populations to increase, so do be cautious of that and add beetle traps as necessary.
• Use paints on the hive which does not absorb heat (e.g., white) or are even reflective.
• Ensure the apiary is in a location where the hives will get good ventilation.
• Maximize ventilation
  • Remove the entrance reducer
  • Consider using a screened bottom board
  • Consider using a slatted rack
  • Raise the telescoping cover on one side. Adding two wine bottle corks between the telescoping cover and the inner cover will do the job well (champagne corks work best).

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More Information

Web Sites

• 14 Ways To Keep Hives Cool In Summer, from BeeProfessor