Rain coats?

[nightshade]

Just thinking ahead for winter..

Does anyone make or use rain coats for their hives in winter?

Any reason to or not to?

 

[enrico]

Yes, each bee has one. They all wear different colours so I can tell which one flies in the rain
E

 

[Fritillary]

Just thinking ahead for winter..

Does anyone make or use rain coats for their hives in winter?

Any reason to or not to?

Sort of - as in waterproof covering over the Kingspan slabs.

 

[masterBK]

Like this? (they are not mine!

 

[Quis Custodiet]

Damn it Nightshade, do you think we will not get any summer?

 

[Millet]

As long as the wood is treated or painted or the poly is painted they do not need any rain coats, imo if you cover them with anything other than Gortex or another breathable fabric you will compromise the air flow around the hive that will dry them out during dry day's, by covering them with a water tight membrane you would be locking the moisture in.

 

[madasafish]

My hive cosies are watertight , so act as waterproofs.

 

[JWF]

Yes, each bee has one. They all wear different colours so I can tell which one flies in the rain
E

Kentish bees seem to prefer brollies.

 

[Curley]

What about bees of Kent?

 

[nightshade]

Lol..

Such diversity!!.

I was thinking stylish mini tents pegged down but also as you say millet trying to way up the down side of which I'm sure there is ...

And no..we will have some good weather...two glorious days this weekend....much needed....Bees were frantic. .

But it is northern ireland!!!

 

[nightshade]

That should be 'weigh up '..

 

[JWF]

What about bees of Kent?

They're a different kettle of fish entirely - and woe betide you use the wrong nomenclature!

 

[For want of a better word]

So wet down here the bees are growing gills!

Yeghes da

 

[coffindodger]

Sort of - as in waterproof covering over the Kingspan slabs.

Exactly that - I used old 1 tonne building bags which are just right to fit over a national or langstroth hive. Works well and no moisture on kingspan. Also a good protection against birds which peck away kingspan.

 

[coffindodger]

As long as the wood is treated or painted or the poly is painted they do not need any rain coats, imo if you cover them with anything other than Gortex or another breathable fabric you will compromise the air flow around the hive that will dry them out during dry day's, by covering them with a water tight membrane you would be locking the moisture in.

Not if the covering is over the kingspan and not the hive.

 

[madasafish]

Not if the covering is over the kingspan and not the hive.

My kingspan/celotex covers are watertight . Period. Waste of time using them if they are not.

 

[Millet]

My kingspan/celotex covers are watertight . Period. Waste of time using them if they are not.

+2 .

 

[coffindodger]

My kingspan/celotex covers are watertight . Period. Waste of time using them if they are not.

Ah, but are they crow proof? Round here the crows love to rear apart kingspan or similar.

 

[Millet]

Ah, but are they crow proof? Round here the crows love to rear apart kingspan or similar.

Luckily the Carrion Crow population is just about zero near my hives as it is a Grey Partridge conservation area and heavily game keepered.

 

[madasafish]

Ah, but are they crow proof? Round here the crows love to rear apart kingspan or similar.

Jackdaws here on the odd roof. I fill the (not very deep) holes with PU glue which expands to fill the holes, and paint it again.. after winter .(no leaks despite biggish holes as two x 50mm boards on roof..)

Unsightly yes but it works and easy. Of course I could cover roof with metal foil - as used to hold ready meals - but why bother ? - when they are still watertight and easy to fix when you want to (summer).

Local cats are a pia but they don't chase jackdaws .(ditto the local sparrowhawks)