Need Inexpensive Migratory Covers

[derekm]

coat the foam with epoxy resin... water proof hard durable....

[Michael Bush]

My 3/4" and 1/2" migratory covers have lasted longer than the solid 3/4" T&G style by quite a bit.

[BlevinsBees]

I make mig covers out of 3/4" scrap plywood I get at construction sites. Since the dimensions are 14" by 23" (8 frame) there is plenty of scrap around that the job forman let's me have for free. It will last forever if you rub in waterproof outdoor silicone caulk with your finger into the edges and then paint with two coats of outdoor semi-gloss latex paint. Use a couple of bricks as hold downs and it will keep it from bowing.

[Intheswamp]

I make mig covers out of 3/4" scrap plywood I get at construction sites. Since the dimensions are 14" by 23" (8 frame) there is plenty of scrap around that the job forman let's me have for free. It will last forever if you rub in waterproof outdoor silicone caulk with your finger into the edges and then paint with two coats of outdoor semi-gloss latex paint. Use a couple of bricks as hold downs and it will keep it from bowing.

Do you paint both top and bottom sides?

[BlevinsBees]

Just the top and sides. I run a 3/8" wood lip all around the bottom like an inner cover. The burr comb isn't as bad if I do that.

[beyondthesidewalks]

"Why not just run without the inner covers?"

I've done this in a pinch in the past.  The problem is if the bees porpolize the telescoping cover down real good, it will be hard to pull up.  I'd rather have a mig cover that I can pry off with my hive tool.