At What Temp SHould I NOT Open the Hive?

[SandyC]

I have been lazy and need to take two supers off my hive. The temps for the next week and a half are going to be in the low 50's with little chance of improvement as we get further into October. Are my bees going to be really nasty if I open it up with it in the 50's? This weekend is suppose to be sunny but only about 55 for a high.

[Eaglerock]

We still will have warm weather coming. Indian summer and all. It will warm up next week I think. Wait until then.

[Pete0]

If they are surplus honey supers with brood nest down a few supers I would think they might be empty of bees and easy to remove. If the weather isn't going to get better and it is honey you want to remove then I'd go for it.

Good luck,

Pete0
Bena, VA

[RayMarler]

I try not to open hives in temps below 65F. The hive loses heat which the bees are actively creating and conserving when you open it. If needed to open it up, be quick and efficient about it. If honey is on top supers to be pulled off without disturbing the broodnest down below, then you should be able to do so without much damage.

[Ravenseye]

If they are flying, it's OK to open them. If the temps are in the 50's and it's sunny, I poke around quickly compared to an 80 degree day.

[SandyC]

Well, I just checked the weather again and they are calling for sunny and low 60's next Wednesday, so I guess I will wait. These are supers that I want to remove for honey.