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About ready to set up my two hives and am trying to decide on whether or not to place them in full sun. I could also put them in a spot where they would get full sun until noon or so then be in shade/filtered sun for the rest of the day until sunset. Which is the better spot? Our temps here can easily hit mid-90's from late June well into August. Will the bees care?
If you have Small Hive Bettels put them in full sun it helps keep them out of the hives.
Internal hive temperatures are generally maintained by the bees at 94 degrees (at least for brood). So external temperatures of mid 90s is not a problem. I'd put them in full sun.
Here's a hive internal temperature reference:
http://files.uniteddiversity.com/Bee...emperature.pdf
Page 186 has a summary table.
I'd probably go with full sun. My best colonies are those that receive the most sunlight. The bees seem to do a better job regulating hot temps than trying to deal with cool weather.
Keep in mind the bees want it at 90 degrees. So their idea of cumfy is just a bit different than ours.
good feedback all. thanks. full sun it will be for the ladies.
During the hottest part of our year I will lay/lean a piece of plywood over the hives temporarily blocking the direct afternoon sun. We get some really hot, muggy, still days in July and August.