[KiwiMana]

Hi,

Just looking for peoples opinions here about the Bee hive entrance, you know the one on the landing board.

We normally make them 10mm high which is 0.40 inches, this is around about the Bee Space measurements and the Bees don't seem to mind.

But I see in some plans that the size is listed at ¾ inches which is 19mm in New Zealand talk.

What do you use for the measurements and do you know what the larger size provides the Bees?

We use screen bottom boards so ventilation shouldn’t be an issue.

We would be keen to get other peoples thoughts.

Thanks

Gary
http://kiwimana.co.nz

 

[brendantm130]

I make mine 3/4 inches (19mm) because that is what it is on the first hive a purchased. No other reason.

 

[Hobie]

Part of the reason for the larger size may be so that one can put in an entrance reducer, which narrows the width, and also reduces the height to about 3/8" (=Beespace).

I take the reducers out during the good weather, and the bees have never tried to seal it up.

 

[G3farms]

A standard Lang hive that has a sloid reversible bottom board, one side is 3/4" for summer use and when turned over it is 3/8" for winter time. Most do not flip their bottom boards any more but as Hobie said use an entrance reducer to fit the need. I leave a variety of different length 3/4" x 3/4" pieces laying around the yard to close up an entrance if the need arises from robbing or a weak hive. With the screened bottom boards becoming more popular the reversible bottom board is slowly falling to the wayside. The bigger 3/4" opening would give the bees more easy access to the hive when there is a strong flow going on. I always try to think to feral bees and bee trees when answering this type of question, what do their entrances look like.

 

[tecumseh]

G3 writes:
I always try to think to feral bees and bee trees when answering this type of question, what do their entrances look like.

tecumseh:
a round whole about the size of a silver dollar (not that anyone know what one of those looks like any more).

the larger entrance also gives you more ventilation during the summer months (which is actually the winter here.. have I confused you yet?). I am surprised that with the smaller (narrow) hive entrance dimension folks don't experience more problem with hive beetles and wax worms in those places with warmer climates.