To Please My Bees

Each year I like to try something a little different to please my honey bees. My current effort towards this end is with a new piece of equipment called a "slatted bottom rack". I've made four of them, one for each of my hives.

This woodenware fits on top of the bottom board and just under the brood chamber. Many beekeepers claim this item allows extra room for bees to hang out in during hot weather instead of 'bearding' on the outside of the hive. It also helps darken the lower section of the brood chamber and allows the queen to build the brood lower in the frames, now away from the drafty entrance. Additionally, the extra space under the slats provides an air buffer zone so the bees can better regulate the temperature inside the hive. It should help the hive stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Perhaps the bees will be less inclined to swarm with the luxury of this added 'vestibule' space.

Personally, I prefer my living quarters to have a little buffer from the outside world. And a porch/hallway/lobby makes sense. Only time will tell if my honey bees agree.

 

Left to Right: July, August and September honey harvests.
Colour and flavour changes with the flowers in season.

Honey bees lap up honey from their broken ladder comb.

This "V" design will not be repeated in next year's foundationless frames.

One of the slatted bottom racks I installed in my bee hives this week.

Honey bees on licorice mint blooms. I think they look pleased.