TOP COVER & HOLE

[DANIEL QUINCE]

What is the history of the top cover? Was it introduced to prevent condensation from dripping back on the cluster? If so, shouldnÂ’t direct the water away from the center? What are the other benefits of having one in northern areas? How about the oval hole?
Thank you
Daniel

[Michael Bush]

The oval hole is to let the moist air out, allow you to blow some smoke in, allow the use of a Porter bee escape, and allow a feeder on top of the hole. The double lid is to cut down on condensation (any double wall with dead air space has that effect).

They seem popular in the North and not so much in the south.

[Brett]

I was told that the inner cover is used because otherwise the bees would propolize the outer cover down and would be very difficult to remove. The inner cover you can pry off.

[Michael Bush]

That's also true, which is the reason for the migratory cover having an edge exposed that you can pry off.