Couple Newbie Questions

[Archer]

Hi - I was wondering about the entrance reducer - when I should remove it. Weather in Mass. has been a bit cool and rainy. It's been on the large entry whole for a while. I actually took it off for the day yesterday, since it was warmer, but put it back on at night. I also have a screened bottom board. It came with a heavy white cardboard insert which I still have in - when do I remove that? Thanks in advance!!

[Ravenseye]

You can take the screened bottom board insert out right now. I actually never put them in except when doing mite counts. Some beeks put them in for the winter.

My hives are still using a reducer because I haven't seen too much congestion at the front door. I'll be willing to bet though, that they'll come off next week. Even the packages I started recently have lots of activity. You'll know when to take it off because the bees will be kind of lining up to get in and out during the busy times of the day. Once you take it off, it can stay off unless you're nervous about robbing. My problem is finding where I left them after I take them off!!!

[Pete0]

How many hives do you have? If just the one then there should be no suspected problems of your colony defending itself. I keep my 1st year colonies on the 1" hole the whole year. It can get pretty busy at the entrance sometimes but I'd rather them not get robbed out by the stronger colonies in the yard. Many of my colonies are on the 4" opening all year as well. All my colonies are on screened bottom boards. I keep the bottom closed until it gets quite warm. The bees can draw comb better when it is warmer.

Enjoy your bees.

Pete0
Bena, VA

[Archer]

I only have the one hive, so I guess no fear of robbing. Thanks for the help!

[ealldredge]

Is robbing a problem only within the immediate area of an apiary? I only have one hive, however, I know of at least 4 others scattered within 1 mile. The closest one to mine is at the neighbors about 300 - 400 feet away.

[BigDaddyDS]

I only have the one hive, so I guess no fear of robbing.

What? You've got no wasps, hornets or yellowjackets in your area?

They'll rob out a hive too!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

I use my reducers when I'm establishing a hive (either nuc or package), when a hive is weakened (from me making a split), when robbers (yellowjackets and hornets) are active, and when it's cold out, until I witness congestion at the entrance. It's WAY cheap insurance.

DS

[jrtrapper]

Local beeks use their entrance reducers like hinged doors leaving one corner in,swing it open in summer then swing it closed in cooler weather or winter.;)