Wednesday, 8 October 2014

Beehive Sandwich

Because I suspect condensation killed my bees last winter, I've become paranoid about moisture control. So, this winter I'm doing everything I can think of to keep them dry. To this end, I've made a sort of beehive anti-moisture sandwich. The hive body will be enclosed by a bottom box that can drain out drips and a top box that will wick out condensation. Desperate measures? Well, yes!

 Top Box


 
Bottom Box




In previous years, each of my inner covers had only one small center hole. And that was covered over with rigid foam insulation. Silly me, the moisture had no place to go but back into the hive and (shudder) onto the bees. Black mold was evident on wooden surfaces. Not good. Not good at all!


Inner covers now have five screened vent openings.


Wood shavings filled vent box is gusseted to the hive body.


Assembled winter moisture control system.

Soon, I'll wrap each hive with foil bubble insulation, but you can be sure I'll be careful not to cover any of those all important vents! From all of this, do you get the feeling that beekeeping is some sort of an obsession/addiction? Guilty as charged!
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4 comments:

  1. Anonymous3 February 2018 at 21:39

    Hi, how did this work out for you?

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    Replies
    1. Out To Pasture5 February 2018 at 08:48

      Thankyou for asking. The top worked well and moisture is no longer a problem. The bottom box turned out to be cumbersome and unnecessary and something I no longer use. Now that moisture is no longer a concern, my current challenge is varroa mite control. I believe varroa and the viruses they cause are public enemy no. 1.

      Delete
  2. BeeCorp18 February 2019 at 13:02

    To avoid moisture concentration in the beehive during winter you may use hygienic bottom boards. There's a proper ventilation (your hive entrance seems too small) and no moisture. In early spring you shut the bottom, and open the top holes a bit more.

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  3. Karine7 September 2021 at 17:18

    Hello, I used those when I was in Minnesota! very efficient. I was wondering can I use your top picture in my beekeeping class, please. We made those but I forgot to take pictures, and your are clear and simple.
    Thank you. Karine (Kspouliquen@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete

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