Winter Protection

[froggy]

Hi, Iam wondering whether it would help my Bees if I erected a plastic cover or "the like" to protect them from the worst of the Winter rain? maybe someone has tried this ? thanks in advance Terry.

 

[REDWOOD]

The roof will keep the rain out, if you have a wood hive it needs to breath, although the Americans in the north wrap them in tared paper but their temperatures are a lot lower than ours in the UK.

 

[user 6228]

The roof will keep the rain out, if you have a wood hive it 1) needs to breath, although the 2)Americans in the north wrap them in tared paper but their temperatures are a lot lower than ours in the UK.

err no ... sort of
The confusion over this comes from a number of places.
1) True the wood needs to be dry to realise its insulation potential and water vapour from the bees will condense inside the plastic. The last statement is also true but not in the way commonly thought. The water vapour that is condensing is not coming through the wood, but from the entrance or openings the bees havent sealed with propolis. Proplis is a vapour barrier and the bees coat the inside surfaces of the hive with a film of this that over years becomes a thick layer. So make sure any plastic layer is not going to trap vapour from the entrance or underfloor mesh.
2) heat loss is not just from extreme temperature. Rain and wind at milder temperatures are very effective in removing heat, as shown by the incidence of hyperthermia in the mild climate of the lake district and north wales. Wooden hives in this country should be wrapped from wind and rain because they are a serious cause of heat loss.

 

[madasafish]

Wooden hives in this country should be wrapped from wind and rain because they are a serious cause of heat loss.

And treated or painted to avoid absorption of water vapour..

 

[REDWOOD]

err no ... sort of
The confusion over this comes from a number of places.
1) True the wood needs to be dry to realise its insulation potential and water vapour from the bees will condense inside the plastic. The last statement is also true but not in the way commonly thought. The water vapour that is condensing is not coming through the wood, but from the entrance or openings the bees havent sealed with propolis. Proplis is a vapour barrier and the bees coat the inside surfaces of the hive with a film of this that over years becomes a thick layer. So make sure any plastic layer is not going to trap vapour from the entrance or underfloor mesh.
2) heat loss is not just from extreme temperature. Rain and wind at milder temperatures are very effective in removing heat, as shown by the incidence of hyperthermia in the mild climate of the lake district and north wales. Wooden hives in this country should be wrapped from wind and rain because they are a serious cause of heat loss.

Thank you Derek
Has anyone performed an experiment on two sodden pieces of wood, one of which is sealed in a plastic bag and another left to the elements, I would imagine the one in the plastic bag would rot first.

 

[Erichalfbee]

err no ... sort of

2) heat loss is not just from extreme temperature. Rain and wind at milder temperatures are very effective in removing heat, as shown by the incidence of hyperthermia in the mild climate of the lake district and north wales. Wooden hives in this country should be wrapped from wind and rain because they are a serious cause of heat loss.

for er read o

 

[Swarm]

My take on the OP sounds more like a flysheet, a shelter rather than a wrapping, which would be beneficial to any hive, wood or poly IMO.

 

[user 6228]

for er read o

yes thank you

 

[user 6228]

Thank you Derek
Has anyone performed an experiment on two sodden pieces of wood, one of which is sealed in a plastic bag and another left to the elements, I would imagine the one in the plastic bag would rot first.

I think the secret is start with dry wood

 

[user 6228]

My take on the OP sounds more like a flysheet, a shelter rather than a wrapping, which would be beneficial to any hive, wood or poly IMO.

some correx wrapped round and tied on and tucked under the roof. would provide shelter

 

[Jimy Dee]

Froggy,
I cannot comment on the science behind insulation other than I am a believer in it (plus a hive with a sealed crown board - no holes)
But I would like to add to your question the following :

1. Keep your bees well lifted off the ground (weeds cut underneath) so that air can circulate underneath to keep the hive dry. I prefer my hive stands at least 18 inches off the ground. I am not a fan of hives any lower to the ground - for example sitting on timber pallets.
2. I also like a roof that is deep enough to cover the entire brood box and also take insulation (of your choice) on top of the crown board. Such a deep roof acts as a second skin and keeps rain away from the brood box. I am not a fan of these pretty shallow roofs that just come down a fraction over the brood box.

I think if your bees have plenty stores, are lifted off the ground, are in a dry box with good insulation on top of a sealed crown board, your bees will be very thankful to you.

I appreciate I have strayed a little from your query but I hope this is of assistance to you.

 

[froggy]

that"s great , many thanks.