stacking supers on hives....

[SteveSC]

I read somewhere once that it's a good idea to offset your supers about 1\2" front to back.  The idea behind it was so the foragers can access the super directly insead of having to make their way from the bottom entrance up thru the hive to get to the super their working on - plus the benefit of ventilation.  There is the issue of rain getting in the hive doing this but in my case I use 3' X 2' 5V barn tin ( w\rock ) on top of all my hives for a front and back 6" overhang, so water isn't a problem.  The tin helps to protect the hive from the elements and the bees like to sit on the front porch and watch it rain...

I did this a few days and the bees are using the 1\2" offset to return to the super. It seems like a good idea in theory but I if it actually makes a difference is another thing.  Anyone else do this...?

 

[Understudy]

Or you could use a top entrance.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Jerrymac]

I have to wonder about the amount of space one is opening up to invaders when they do this. Wax moths, Small Hive Beatles, ants, wasp, robbers, mice, others.

[bozbee]

So glad you asked this SteveSC, I was thinking it myself this morning. New beekeeper myself and added my supers 3 days ago. I was thinking "it would be easier if they could go directly to the supers and not waste time traveling through the brood and bees". Think I'll try that this evening, prob just enough space for the workers to enter.

[SteveSC]

Or you could use a top entrance.

When you say top entrance, are you talking about an entrance @ the super....? Can you explain..?  

I have top entrances ( 1 1\2" holes ) on my hive bodies but anything above that is closed off ( except the vented inner cover ).

I have to wonder about the amount of space one is opening up to invaders when they do this. Wax moths, Small Hive Beatles, ants, wasp, robbers, mice, others.

I thought about that also.  With a strong hive there shouldn't be a problem.  The bees seem to have taken right to the offsets...we'll see.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Think I'll try that this evening, prob just enough space for the workers to enter.

That's all I have open - just enough for the bees to enter and leave.  Let me know how and if they use the offset.

[Understudy]

Those are the top entrances I use.
Michael Bush on top entrances.
http://www.bushfarms.com/beestopentrance.htm


Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Shizzell]

Steve SC, I simply drill a hole in the front of the top left quarter of every super I use. Rarely rain gets in there. (Unless the rain is flying sideways)

[Michael Bush]

I hate drilling holes in equipment.  I still have a lot that come back to haunt me.  I like a top entrance.  Setting the hive back can be a quick fix for a hot day when the bees are bearding, but I'd prefer a more water resistant plan since the water will run right down through the hive with that arrangement.