Using Poly Hives during high season

[JonnyPicklechin]

Hi -

I have a bursting-with-bees 11 frame (full size) DN4 Paynes which has overwintered splendidly. But I only have one and with plenty of standard National boxes and supers in storage and ready for us I wondered should i keep the Paynes poly running or switch over now we are getting into the season?

I have a couple of Paynes poly supers and a second BB so happy to run this but I don't notice ventilation at the top so worry it would run hot if we get some blistering heat which appears to be the norm nowadays...

 

[boywonder]

Won't a poly hive stay cooler in the 'blistering heat' ?

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[Murox]

Running just one size/style of hive is always simpler. remember that insulation works both ways and with open mesh floors...........? If you are really concerned about heat move the hive to a place that stands in shade during the hottest part of the day, or just provide some shade yourself, or would an Abelo roof with vents fit ?? or build yourself a travel screen and 'dummy roof' .

 

[Anduril]

Won't a poly hive stay cooler in the 'blistering heat' ?

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Yes, due to its insulative properties.

 

[Poly Hive]

From long practical experience, I know that they do not run hot. Quite the opposite.

PH

 

[JonnyPicklechin]

Cheers all!

 

[Levitt53]

Also the wooden stuff will still fit with it if necessary. It looks a bit odd but does work.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I don't notice ventilation at the top so worry it would run hot

Because ventilation is not needed - the bees can sort it out themselves and our interfering usually just buggers things up.
I don't have 'ventilation' in any of my hives, no holes in crown boards and certainly no vents in roofs, many of my hives are in South facing apiaries and get full sun all day, never been a problem

 

[JonnyPicklechin]

Cheers....more learned.

 

[Popparand]

Because ventilation is not needed - the bees can sort it out themselves and our interfering usually just buggers things up.
I don't have 'ventilation' in any of my hives, no holes in crown boards and certainly no vents in roofs, many of my hives are in South facing apiaries and get full sun all day, never been a problem

Poly hives or timber? Might I ask?

 

[Ian123]

Jenks is correct the bees need little if any interference from us as an aside i always found overwintering bees do better in full sun, they tend to be drier and build faster in a sunny position. I once helped out removing Africanised bees from inside oil drums in the Caribbean. The scrubland was being cleared and a digger driver had been badly stung the day before, there were about 12 colonies in various drums with little more than the standard 3 inch hole. All established and coping with the Caribbean heat encased in steal.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Poly hives or timber? Might I ask?

Cedar

I once helped out removing Africanised bees from inside oil drums in the Caribbean. The scrubland was being cleared and a digger driver had been badly stung the day before, there were about 12 colonies in various drums with little more than the standard 3 inch hole. All established and coping with the Caribbean heat encased in steal.

Yup - in Southern Africa (specifically Lesotho) I was working bees in South Africa sourced Langstroths - solid floors, 1" entrance wooden roofs with galvanised steel covers - no vents whatsoever and the bees coped fine. I was once shown a wild colony out there which had built its nest inside a 30ft steel shipping container.