Covers

[Sharkey]

Hi again,
Another "southern" question. I got lots of info and opinions on my double deep topic. This one is remotely related.

Nobody down here seems to use the "inner/outter" covers. We only use a single cover on top. I am beginning to think that there may be advantages to using them, sort of like two roofs over your home will make it cooler.

What say ye all ?? hehe

Sharkey

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It's Not The Destination, It's The Journey. We Cannot Change The Wind, But We CAN Trim The Sails.

[Michael Bush]

The idea of the inner cover is that it creates an air space between the inside of the hive and the outer cover. It serves several purposes, but at least one of them is that cuts down on condensation on the cover in the winter. It probably also keeps it a little cooler, as you say, by creating an air space in the summer too. The notches ones allow an upper entrance. Also you get a chance to smoke the hole in the inner cover before popping the top. Which is helpful.

The advantages to a single migratory cover are that they are cheaper, they are simpler (less pieces to open) and when glued down well with propolis, they don't blow off easily.

I tend to try to use my outer covers without an inner cover, just long enough to get a little blued down. That or flip the inner cover for a little while to get it glued on both sides. Then when I put them on an inner cover they stick and don't blow off so badly either.

I think it is more important in the Nothern climates to have the protection from condensation.

[Sharkey]

Thanks, Michael.
Seems the concensus when I ask around here.
No real need for these things, so why go to the expense ?

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It's Not The Destination, It's The Journey. We Cannot Change The Wind, But We CAN Trim The Sails.

[Branman]

I prop open my outer cover and they use the inner cover hole as a top entrance. Gives them a smaller entrance to guard, so I find it useful, although I think I want to make it even smaller...

[Daisy]

Me too Branman...

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Left handed people are in their Right Minds. CSF

[Sharkey]

Well......... having heard all these ideas and points of view, I think I will start drilling holes in the supers for use as ventilation as well as easier access for the bees. The tops never fit worth a flip anyway, or not for long. So they get some ventilation that way.

Thanks all. :->

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It's Not The Destination, It's The Journey. We Cannot Change The Wind, But We CAN Trim The Sails.