Correx Varroa Board...insulation value

[fiat500bee]

Under a mesh floor with a relatively late-acquired nuc which is maybe struggling to get going in the north of Scotland,. I'm wondering if there might be gains by putting the board in to seal the space. Is the risk of the bees getting too warm less than the almost certainty that they are having to work to heat the hive for a lot of the time up here? It's 13/14C daytime just now!

 

[Ian123]

Put the board in they will be fine and you may even help the build for the winter, having a draft up your Arsenal is not a pleasant experience for anyone.

 

[Murox]

I keep the board in most of the year, not had a problem as a result - too windy otherwise down here.

 

[Hebeegeebee]

I rarely have boards in and find that the Thornes correx boards are too light and disappear down the field when it's windy. Plywood with a lip works better.

 

[Murox]

Ah yes, I make my own up recycling old political signs etc and add a wooden lip/end to fill any 'gaps'.

 

[fiat500bee]

Thank-you everyone for the replies. It seems fairly conclusive that I can leave it in, which corresponds with my (extreme novice) beekeeping instinct. From what I can work out, traditionally, beehives had solid floors in any case, so no option for additional ventilation other than changng the entrance size. I was just filled with doubt because a respected local expert thinks they should normally be removed.

Bees very cosy just now.

 

[Repwoc]

If you leave them in, remember to clean them off regularly. A fair amount of hive detritus builds up on the inspection board and is a magnet for wax moths.