Fighting the Texas heat

[manowar422]

I put some shiney aluminum tape on the side of all my hive's boxes
that face due west.

Has anyone ever tried this before, if so, what was the outcome?

The sunlight, therefore the heat, will be reflected
off the hive and should result in lower internal temps.

I'll post picture tonight and continue to update the effect over the summer.

[Jerrymac]

I really have to wonder the out come. All metal around here, shiny or not gets hot hot hot hot hot in the sun. Keep us posted.

[wingmaster]

As long as they have a good air vents at the top and an open entrance they will be fine. I have found that my hives do better in the heat. It seems to help keep the mites down. if I have a week hive I will use a screen to reduce the entrance so they will get good air flow. I also put on propels traps in summer and leave a gap above it to vent more air and encourage them to fill the trap.

[Michael Bush]

If lower temps are good, then put them in the shade.  In my climate the ones in the sun do the best, so I think the heat is a GOOD thing.  It evaporates nectar faster (and motivates them to evaporate nectar faster), helps them keep the brood warm and helps them control the humidity.