What happened to my hive?

Discussion in 'Pests and Diseases' started by Noreen, Sep 16, 2017.

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  1. Sep 18, 2017 #21
    Gypsi

    Gypsi Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I would at least get a styrofoam board (comes in 4x8 sheets at home depot) and cut a piece to fit inside the lid. Reason: Moisture sticks to cold surfaces. On sidewalls it slips down to the bottom of the hive and out. On top, it rains on bees. That plus your top entrance (which many northern keeps say is the only way their bees can exit for waste runs in deep snow) should keep your bees from being rained on with cold drops, and vented some via that top opening. You will want to insulate the nuc's lid as well, just a styrofoam sheet.
     
    Gypsi, Sep 18, 2017
    Gypsi, Sep 18, 2017
  3. Sep 18, 2017 #22
    roadkillbobb

    roadkillbobb Active Member

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    ok, I already have a bunch of that rigid insulation, ill just cut to size..thank you...
     
    roadkillbobb, Sep 18, 2017
    roadkillbobb, Sep 18, 2017

  5. Sep 18, 2017 #23
    Gypsi

    Gypsi Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Queen should lay a BUNCH right now for you. then when winter bees hatch, expect a pile of mites on the bottom board. and she will quit laying and shut down after those winterbees hatch, my guess for your climate October 10th but it is a guess
     
    Gypsi, Sep 18, 2017
    Gypsi, Sep 18, 2017
  6. Sep 20, 2017 #24
    roadkillbobb

    roadkillbobb Active Member

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    I switched the frames that had comb and bees into a nuc and put another nuc box ontop with a feeder, hopefully the confined space will help the remaining bees guard the hive and stay warm in the winter.the one entrance is now reduced to about an inch.its still pushing 80degrees plus today, as its becomes colder out I will insulate the hive..
     
    roadkillbobb, Sep 20, 2017
    roadkillbobb, Sep 20, 2017
  7. Sep 28, 2017 #25
    Gypsi

    Gypsi Super Moderator Staff Member

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    sounds good.
     
    Gypsi, Sep 28, 2017
    Gypsi, Sep 28, 2017
  8. Sep 29, 2017 #26
    camero7

    camero7 Member

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    I use the betterbee poly nuc boxes up here [Massachusetts] I often find the queen on the outside frames in these because they can cover the whole box and stay warm. Very good overwintering with them.
     
    camero7, Sep 29, 2017
    camero7, Sep 29, 2017
  9. Sep 29, 2017 #27
    Gypsi

    Gypsi Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Thank you Camero! I barely remember how to drive on ice, sure don't know much about beekeeping in it except ventilation is important
     
    Gypsi, Sep 29, 2017
    Gypsi, Sep 29, 2017
  10. Nov 10, 2020 #28
    Gypsi

    Gypsi Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Now I have to decide whether to combine my nuc hive with a bigger one, or swipe some brood from a bigger one and put them on top of it for heat, and I have to take my biggest one apart to change the bottom board. Tomorrow is not sounding fun. all of that is after work
     
    Gypsi, Nov 10, 2020
    Gypsi, Nov 10, 2020
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