mtbe
House Bee
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Location: Ottawa, Illinois
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« on: May 26, 2009, 09:35:14 AM » |
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Well, we had a few days of above 85F here in Northern Illinois.
The bees were outside of the hive, sitting on the front 'porch' and gathering on the front face and hanging below the 'porch' as well. They were doing this in both hives.
I just figured it was too hot inside. Some were also at the entrance fanning, I'm assuming to cool it down.
But, now we are in the 60s at night, and they are still gathered outside the front. In smaller numbers, but still there. I check first thing in the morning and there are still bees fanning at the entrance as well.
Do I need to add ventilation? Open up some space between the top bars?
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luvin honey
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« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2009, 10:06:40 AM » |
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Wow--that's warm! Here in WI it's only in the 50s right now.
Can you prop the front or back of your cover? Or drill some holes in the front, back or sides for more ventilation? When I accidentally left spaces between my bars during installation, I REALLY regretted it since they built messed-up comb that I am going to have to cut out or live with them repeating throughout the rest of the bars. I think you should keep the bars together for sure.
Do your bees have access to close water?
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The pedigree of honey
Does not concern the bee;
A clover, any time, to him
Is aristocracy.
---Emily Dickinson
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mtbe
House Bee
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Location: Ottawa, Illinois
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« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2009, 01:01:03 PM » |
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Yes...much warmer than we were expecting. I have to record the temperature at my work every day, and it got to 90F this weekend.
Plenty of water around. We set trays of water, with small rocks, on top of each hive, and rinse them out about every 3-4 days to be sure they stay clean. We're about 50-70 yards from an outfall/gully with running water, and 150yards from the Illinois river.
I thought about drilling some holes for ventilation, but also seemed to remember that M. Bush indicated they weren't needed/recommended for a TBH. Looks like it might be a hot summer though, and if vents are needed, looking for advice.
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luvin honey
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« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2009, 01:48:33 PM » |
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How about propping back cover open a bit to aid in ventilation?
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The pedigree of honey
Does not concern the bee;
A clover, any time, to him
Is aristocracy.
---Emily Dickinson
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mtbe
House Bee
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Posts: 103
Location: Ottawa, Illinois
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« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2009, 03:59:39 PM » |
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Well, I think my question isn't how to ventilate. I've got several ideas on how to do it.
My question is, do I need to do anything about it? Are they gathered outside because it is too hot and do I need to do anything about it?
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likes2grill
Dan
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Location: Worthington Springs, Florida
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« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2009, 04:17:56 PM » |
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How full is it? The same rules still apply to TBH's.
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mtbe
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Location: Ottawa, Illinois
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« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2009, 08:36:09 AM » |
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It's just over half full, possibly 2/3s full, and I can move the follower board back another 3 bars, which I will do this weekend (probably).
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Grandma_DOG
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Location: Austin, TX
Build it, and they will comb.
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« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2009, 01:41:13 PM » |
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It's just over half full, possibly 2/3s full, and I can move the follower board back another 3 bars, which I will do this weekend (probably).
You still have a follower board on, in that heat? Lose it, you're retaining heat at this point with it. |
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jeremy_c
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Location: Summit Co, Ohio
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« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2009, 01:59:39 PM » |
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You still have a follower board on, in that heat? Lose it, you're retaining heat at this point with it.
What about the evening temps? I have had a few days that were 80-82 but most other days are mid 70's and evenings are in the 50's and 60's. Jeremy |
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Grandma_DOG
House Bee
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Gender:
Posts: 329
Location: Austin, TX
Build it, and they will comb.
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« Reply #9 on: May 27, 2009, 02:39:46 PM » |
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You still have a follower board on, in that heat? Lose it, you're retaining heat at this point with it.
What about the evening temps? I have had a few days that were 80-82 but most other days are mid 70's and evenings are in the 50's and 60's. Jeremy I've never used a follower board, here in Texas. Occasionally it gets down to 30F. At 50's, hell, the bees can still fly. I'd pull it to reduce heat and discourage swarming until fall. |
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Michael Bush
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« Reply #10 on: May 30, 2009, 05:53:56 PM » |
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Just keep in mind that the bees cool a hive by evaporation. Too much ventilation can interfere with this. Too little can interfere with this.
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sha.chanel
New Bee
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Location: Hopelessly Lost
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« Reply #11 on: November 04, 2009, 09:44:21 AM » |
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I'm one of the bee hive growers in my town and I also had problems with ventilation since we experience a very humid temperature but I did try some of the advice here and it worked. I know this is not my post but I just want to thank everyone for the advice.
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bigbearomaha
Guest
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« Reply #12 on: November 04, 2009, 01:44:19 PM » |
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The bees haven't been eating too many beans have they? maybe it's not cooling they are doing, but trying to fan away some other bees pedo smelling gas. I know around my house, especially on a frijoles and chiles night, my kids will start throwing open all the doors and turning on every fan they can find. even in the dead of winter. Heh heh
Big Bear
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luvin honey
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« Reply #13 on: November 05, 2009, 09:31:57 AM » |
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I think your kids and my kids have been eating the same thing!  |
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The pedigree of honey
Does not concern the bee;
A clover, any time, to him
Is aristocracy.
---Emily Dickinson
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bigbearomaha
Guest
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« Reply #14 on: November 05, 2009, 09:59:04 AM » |
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and to think they try to blame me.  Big Bear |
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