Adding Frameless Supers

[sansabar]

Would it help cool the hive to add an empty, frameless super to the top? I've recently added a second shallow super but the bees have continued to cover the outside front of the boxes.

[Curtis]

First you need to determine why the bees are on the outside. I would suspect, sence you have added a second super and the bees are still on the outside, that heat is not the problem. I would suspect that ventilation of moisture might be the thing. Prop the top up a little. This will help with the ventilation of heat and moisture.
Curtis

[sansabar]

It makes sense - I already have a screened bottom board and a screened top cover - maybe cracking the top would help the screening function better.
Would adding the empty shallow super hurt in any way?

[ScadsOBees]

I wouldn't add an empty super unless you can keep a really close eye on them...if they hit a flow they could fill up that with random comb.

If you want the extra space, I'd recommend leaving empty frames or with foundation in in the super.

Rick

[Michael Bush]

>Would it help cool the hive to add an empty, frameless super to the top?

Above the inner cover or below it? If it's below it, it would be an impending disaster for about a day and then it would BE a disaster. Above it might last a little longer, but unless you screened off the hole in the inner cover they will probably mess that up also.

Prop the top up with a stick or a couple of shingle shims. Slide the top box forward 3/4" or backwards 3/4". If you have a SBB remove the tray. If you don't have a SBB, buy one and a slatted rack wouldn't hurt either. :)

[kc in wv]

Just to add to the above ideas. I have found that a piece of corrugated tin on top of the hive helps with the cooling. The sun hits the top and warms it up and you have the upward curves of the corrugations for air to flow thru to carry the heat away before it enters the hive.