View Full Version : Inner Cover Question
eclose
05-07-2009, 06:00 PM
I have noticed some inner covers have a small opening in front of the frame. What is the reason for this opening beside for venting. What is the advantage of having the opening and not having the opening? Thank you
NorthALABeeKeep
05-07-2009, 06:31 PM
I believe it serves as another opening for bees to come and go.
BeeAware
05-07-2009, 08:17 PM
This opening is important for ventilation in hot weather. Be sure that your telescoping cover is pushed toward the opening as far as possible so as not to block air movement.
hsbcapt
05-08-2009, 09:52 AM
Does the notch go up or down?
Cedar Hill
05-08-2009, 10:04 AM
It goes down. However, it's not much of an opening for ventilation. Up north, it is used to allow the moisture to vent from the hive during the winter. You will notice that it is on the side that allows the greatest room for the bees to maneuver over the frames during the winter. Being in Tennessee, it may be better to push back the inner cover about a quarter of an inch to allow more air and a top entrance for the bees. They will rid the nectar of its moisture much quicker with an upper entrance allowing for quicker processing of honey. Raise the front lip of the cover so that it rests on the front lip of the inner cover. OMTCW
jdpro5010
05-08-2009, 10:04 AM
I keep the notch up on my hives but have seen some that put it down. At least during the winter.
schmism
05-08-2009, 11:01 AM
so is there a proper placement of an inner cover when it comes to shallow side/ deep side. (when speeking of the amount of space between the top of the frames and the inner cover)
To be honest i kind just plunk mine down not really paying attention to which side is up/down.
jdpro5010
05-08-2009, 11:07 AM
Well on my inner covers when the notch is up that means the short side is down and as I said before I keep my hives with the notch facing up. Hope that helps!
BillS
05-08-2009, 11:08 AM
During the active season the side with the space and the notch is supposed to be in the up position. If you put it down you violate beespace and they will fill it with burr comb.
In the winter you put it space down. This allows for venting of moisture and the bees will not make burr comb in the winter.
Bill Schaefer