View Full Version : 4 space between the bars do I need an inner cover?
OK. I am totally illiterate when it comes to Langs. What is the use of the inner cover?
I am trying to change the shape of my bars. The way they are now there is no space between them. I tapered the bottom of each bar 45^ and cut a wax groove to keep the bees from crosscombing. That worked excellent. I usually put minimal amount of starter wax in the grooves and when I donÂ’t the bees just follow the taper anyway.
I now want to trim the bars so there is a space for the bees to fly in and out when I work the hive. Of course I donÂ’t want them permanently exposed so IÂ’m thinking to build an inner cover. Am I reinventing the wheel? Has anybody done this before? What are the pros and cons?
Thank you,
Aram
IÂ’ll include a picture to show what I mean just in case my explanation wasnÂ’t confusing enough. tongue.gif
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/Oarceas/topbars.jpg
John F
09-13-2006, 10:21 AM
Am I reinventing the wheel?Yeah, you're gonna end up with something call a lang.
smile.gif
Actually, I like that they aren't going in and out when I'm working the hive so I don't quite understand your question.
I hope not! smile.gif
I'd like it too if they didn't go in and out as I work the hive but they are going in and out anyway (as long as there is one open bar.) What is upsetting me is the Kamikazes that get killed every time I try to push the bars together or when I try to place that last bar. I am trying to avoid crusing the bees. Of the two hives I have one is never a problem: I can shake them in the box. on top of the box, brush them off or just gently nudge them and wait till they get out of the way. The other hive however, as soon as I open one bar they give the alarm and then they don't stop. As long as they see a crack of light they'll try to squeeze through.
[ September 13, 2006, 07:02 PM: Message edited by: Aram ]
Michael Bush
09-13-2006, 07:39 PM
Keep practicing. You can learn to put the bars in without squishing very many of them. Try scissoring them (slide it straight down into position) slowly.
No, you don't have to have an inner cover if you make gaps. But the lack of gaps is one of the nice features of a top bar hive.
stangardener
09-13-2006, 11:24 PM
i've got hives with alternating frames/bars. the bees don't fly up through the half size gap as much as a lang and putting the hive back together is quicker than with top bars. if the cover is "ventilated" (non migratory) i use a piece of tarp over the bars under the lid.
Thank you all. I'll keep practicing on the easy hive, and try the half size gaps on the Kamikaze. The death toll is just too high if I keep practicing on that one. Half size gaps might be the answer. I want to discourage them from freely flying in and out and it might keep from crushing them.
stangardener
09-14-2006, 03:08 PM
are you using a smoker? smoke usually helps to keep there heads down.
Yes I smoke them. Weather I smoke them a lot or just a couple of puffs it doesn't make any difference. I think mine are addicted to smoke... :rolleyes:
buckbee
09-20-2006, 04:54 PM
Try a water spray - works pretty well on mine. A few drops of peppermint oil or white birch oil in the water seems to help.
Will try it. Thanx.
I think I have heard of someone spraying with sugar water. The dea was to make the bees both sticky, so they can't fly, and get them busy cleaning the sweet syrup off of each other. Do you know if this is a common technique?
What is the purpose of the essential oils? How much oil would you put in a pint of water?
Thank you,
Aram
buckbee
09-23-2006, 03:03 PM
I can see the point of sugar water, but I don't like the idea of gumming up my bees, fearing that it may crystallize and block their spiracles, or stick their wings together.
I use peppermint oil because it has a strong smell but appears to be harmless to the bees. Essential oil of White Birch smells a lot like smoke, so I figure it may have a similar effect without the actual fire. A few drops in a pint of water seems sufficient.
I have just read in another thread about someone using sumac smoke for mite control - that sounds interesting. Anyone here have any experience of this?