Mold on my inner cover

[beeman7467]

I received a new hive from friend that needed some TLC. Barely made it through winter and needing to be fed. I put on a top feeder and things seemed O.K. Today I checked on them to add move sugar water and noticed mold growing on the inner cover. We have had a bunch of rain the last few days plus the temperature has dropped into the low 40's. I do not have the telescoping cover propped up slightly for ventilation like I do on my other hive in an effort to help the bees keep everything as warm as possible. Is this a mistake? Should I be worried about the mold? Any suggestions?

[Michael Bush]

My guess is that the top feeder gives off a lot of moisture and the cool temps created a lot of condensation. Anytime I see mold I figure they need more ventilation.

[clintonbemrose]

I definatly think you need more ventilation in the hive

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Clinton Bemrose
just South of Lansing Michigan

[beeman7467]

Thanks. I cracked the top open figuring that might be the issue. I'll check it over the weekend when it warms up a bit and see how it looks.