Winter prep, have I got it right?

[Nordicul]

Winter prep, have I got it right?

Hi All,

This is my first Winter with the bees, so want to check that I'm set up right.

They have been fully treated, are Q right, have plenty stores and bees.They are still taking in pollen etc, I have mouse guards in the post.

On both hives I have a clear Perspex crown board, allowing a progress check without opening.
On top of that I have 100 mm of solid xtratherm foam held within a super, and the roof over it.

To avoid any water ingress I plan to run duct tape over the crownboard joint. I will also leave the inspection board in situ.

Could I improve this.?

Tia Nordicul

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Take the inspection tray out.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Winter prep, have I got it right?

Hi All,

This is my first Winter with the bees, so want to check that I'm set up right.

They have been fully treated, are Q right, have plenty stores and bees.They are still taking in pollen etc, I have mouse guards in the post.

On both hives I have a clear Perspex crown board, allowing a progress check without opening.
On top of that I have 100 mm of solid xtratherm foam held within a super, and the roof over it.

To avoid any water ingress I plan to run duct tape over the crownboard joint. I will also leave the inspection board in situ.

Could I improve this.?

Tia Nordicul

Sounds good to me.
Inspection board?
Sometimes I leave mine in but I do have a gap of three inches or so from the omf.
If it’s right up against the mesh then you will have to take it out and clean it every week and that’s a pain.

 

[user 6228]

cover up the opening in wall of the floor section that lets in the board.

 

[Curly green fingers]

Sounds good to me I would take inspection board out though and I agree with Derek about blocking the entrance up where the board goes in .
I use 50mm insulation with a 2 inch eke and a deap 6 inch roof to cover eke and crown board.

 

[fatshark]

Midwinter = green woodpeckers ... if they've learnt to exploit hives where you are.

Or not ... OP was in Ireland. They've not got there yet (I think)

 

[Torq]

Midwinter = green woodpeckers ... if they've learnt to exploit hives where you are.

Or not ... OP was in Ireland. They've not got there yet (I think)

We have. They arrived in the past few years but are still confined to the east coast for the moment. But if our history is anything to go by (Vikings, Normans etc) they will work their way inland at some point.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Sounds good to me I would take inspection board out though and I agree with Derek about blocking the entrance up where the board goes in .
I use 50mm insulation with a 2 inch eke and a deap 6 inch roof to cover eke and crown board.

What’s the point in blocking the back if you have no inspection board in place?

 

[user 6228]

The further down the first big exit to the horizontal the more heat is retained. The entrance is very much smaller than the tray opening (particularly in winter config) so its effect even though higher is not as big. This will be in a academic paper one day.

 

[Beefriendly]

Best leave trays in then....the Abelo poly tray in essence makes them a solid floor...although you do have to do a bit of manual cleaning from time to time.

Of course they will also survive with the tray out, or even if you prop the crown-board open with matchsticks Heaven forbid!!
Perhaps not as well or with as low store usage.....

 

[Nordicul]

Ok Guys

Thanks for replies sounds like I'm on the right track.

Only issue seems to be the Inspection tray ..in or out ?....I said board in the post which may have confused.

The hives are 10" off the ground on concrete blocks. And have OMF's. The inspection tray is aluminium, can be inserted 3 cm below the OMF.

The hives are located in a sheltered, shady area I don't expect wind to be an issue, nor woodpeckers....but heh "The best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft aglay "

Nordicul

 

[enrico]

Has anyone mentioned mouse guards or did I miss it
E

 

[Angry_Mob]

Op said he had mouse guards in the post.

 

[enrico]

Thanks....... I must buck up!!
E

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Only issue seems to be the Inspection tray ..in or out ?....I said board in the post which may have confused.

Tray, board, whatever - out

 

[beeno]

Does +Q include having checked that the queens are not drone layers? I have had to do two late unites because of it!

 

[Nordicul]

Hi Beeno,

Thanks there, not intending to reinspect now, but capped brood all looked normal when I tucked them in.

Nordicul

 

[ShinySideUp]

Tray, board, whatever - out

Disagree, in -- but not sealed.

 

[enrico]

Disagree, in -- but not sealed.

Dependant on location imho so could be either!
E

 

[Nordicul]

Oh! I've got now.....Hokey Cokey them..."In Out shakem all about"

Thanks all. I'll update you in the Spring.

Nordicul