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Screened Inner Covers

  • 1 Oct 2020 7:32 AM
    Message # 9276714

    I have screened bottom boards on 2 hives, this year I installed screen inner covers to improve ventilation in the hive.

    my question is, when should I change out to the standard inner covers. I am concerned the screened inner covers will allow to much heat to be lost in cold weather.

    Moved from General Bee Topics, including how to obtain bees: 23 Aug 2021 6:08 AM
  • 2 Oct 2020 8:51 AM
    Reply # 9279179 on 9276714
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    What I do for my hives with IPM/screened bottom boards is make an insert of 1" ridgid foam insulation and sandwich it between the screen and the plastic cardboard insert used for counting mites. I figured this is just a good (maybe better) than a solid bottom due to added insulation.


  • 3 Oct 2020 8:31 AM
    Reply # 9280976 on 9276714
    Anonymous

    Dave R: I would install the standard inner covers now. Most heat loss is through the top of the hive.  Temps at night are now 50 and below which is lower than non brood bearing colony temp.  Make sure you use an inner cover that has a least one vent/exit hole cut in the front side rail. As you go into winter that side should be facing down.  Facing down, it provides some venting at the top front of the hive.  You  can then also cut 1" thick pink XPS and place it on top of the standard inner cover followed by your telescoping cover (if it has sides long enough to extend down to cover the XPS.  If you do add the XPS make sure you put a good weight on the hive top so it doesn't blow off!!

    At this forum link you can see a somewhat similar scheme that we use for insulation: https://tvbabees.org/Topics/9192575#9214155 


  • 3 Oct 2020 12:58 PM
    Reply # 9281291 on 9276714

    Thank you! I completed this task about a  hour ago.

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