Water on varroa board

[ShinySideUp]

I have noticed that my hives are getting puddles of water on the varroa board and I'm concerned that humidity levels in the hives are too high causing condensation inside. Although my hives were insulated in the roof last year I did not cover the crown board holes (and did not get moisture dropping out of the bottom) however this year I have done so for the coming winter and am wondering if this is the cause of the moisture. I could just remove the CB covers but I couldn't be sure in one or two goes if they were the actual cause of the problem so I'm asking on here.

Suggestions?

PS, I am sure the water is not rain blowing in from the outside.

PPS. For now, I have removed the varroa boards altogether to avoid evaporation back into the hive.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

nothing wrong with a bit of condensation in the hives, by covering up the holes in the crown board and insulating the top you are ensuring the condensate runs down the sides of the hive and not onto the cluster.
'Varroa trays' only need to be in whilst checking varroa levels, rest of the time they should be in the shed.

 

[oliver90owner]

The only way you will know if it is not rain is checking before and after it rains. Until then, don’t assume. Even on cold mornings, water will condense on the outside and likely run down - and has to go somewhere.

The bees will not care about humidity as long as it is not affecting them and the interior of the hive above the cluster is unlikely to fall below dew point, compared with the walls (which obviously are not above the cluster).

I expect the water is entering from the outside, unless your inspection tray is metal....

Check things out and get back on here. OMF hives with adequate insulation over the crownboard and without any gaping holes in their ceiling have not been used for years. Why should yours be any different?

Best plan is as JBM - remove the tray. It is not needed, especially with 14 x 12 hives.

 

[madasafish]

I get condensation on correx varroa boards on cold mornings. Always have done.. I leave varroa boards in during winter due to wind effects - hives on 30cm stands Occasionally boards are blown out in high winds so gaffer taped in place. Nine are all insulated (a lot in some cases)

Never had any problems. Don't expect to have any problems.

 

[citrus]

actually is there any point in using the varroa correx boards ... tbh i am going to treat them regardless anyway ... looks like a bit of faffing about ... removing the plastic paynes entrance thing and then try and slide the damn thing in ... for a few weeks of the year

 

[Hivemaker.]

actually is there any point in using the varroa correx boards ... tbh i am going to treat them regardless anyway ... looks like a bit of faffing about ... removing the plastic paynes entrance thing and then try and slide the damn thing in ... for a few weeks of the year

Yes, to see if whatever treatment your using is working and to seal the hive while treating with certain treatments.

Why not just put them in the slot at the rear of the floor, under the mesh, where they are supposed to go.

 

[Finman]

.
Water on floor during winter is usual in our climate during winter. That is why hives slant a little bit, that water drills out via entrance.

When I dig hives out from snow for cleansing flight in Marsh, floor has often 1 cm ice cover and ice sticks hang in low parts of frames. In these cases upper entrance is good, when bees do cleansing flight. Then ice melts away and water drills out.

So condensation happens in lover parts of the frames too in the middle of the box, not only on side walls. It is places where warm cluster air and cold surfaces meets. But bees stand many kind of things.


In the middle of summer I can see condensation dropplets on the floor too. Some floor material condensate more than others. In bad cases moisture glues rubbish on the loor surface.

 

[Madge]

I’m on a windy hill and keep the Varroa trays in over winter - but I’ve drilled a few holes in the corners of boards so that water can drip out; trapped bees can escape (one hopes); and a bit of ventilation (just in case they need it).

And, as JB said, insulation above the crown board is important.

 

[Swarm]

I've been putting correx boards in and out during OAV and found them wet on removal. I just put it down to the temps dropping and condensation collecting, it can't be rain as it was dry.

 

[ShinySideUp]

I guess I had it last year then but just didn't notice it.

When I said I 'was sure' it wasn't rain I should have emphasised that I am certain it is not rain.

Thanks for all your replies my mind is at rest again --I really should stop worrying about the bees, they know what they are doing.