Is it getting to hot

**MSbeekeeper** · 06-15-2009, 01:43 PM

I noticed today that my bees are out on the landing board just fanning away. I install them on the 8th of may as packages and I still have the entrance reducer on but the bigger opening. Should I remove the entrance reducer now? And Should I prop the top open a bit? There are in a field at a tree line and get full sun till about 6 pm. So I bet it is pretty darn hot in there. Any thoughts??

**FANNBEE** · 06-15-2009, 02:10 PM

I would at least remove the entrance reducer.

Over the years, I have done both and the bees still fan, just a fewer number.

It's just hot in Mississippi during the summer.

**devdog108** · 06-15-2009, 02:15 PM

I cracked my top lid about 1/4 inch and they are loving it. Make sure it stays, otherwise you tend to make a mess of some of the bees when the lid falls. They stopped fanning when i did this!

**aszalan** · 06-15-2009, 02:19 PM

bees will often fan during the summer to reduce the moisture content of the honey in the hive

and yes take the entrance entrance reducer off

**BaconStreetBees** · 06-15-2009, 02:30 PM

I would definitely remove the entrance reducer. Shimming the telescoping top a little will help as well. Whether too hot or evaporating honey, good ventilation will help.

**terri lynn** · 06-15-2009, 04:19 PM

Mine are going to be hotter this year because they don't have as much afternon shade. I had the same worry and took off the reducers and am planning on getting a screened bb on each, but haven't yet replaced them all. I can't crack my top lid though, because they are not all at my house. I wouldn't notice if something ended up knocking the top off. A couple of days ago a bad storm passed through and a tornado was spotted on the ground a few miles from 4 of my hives, and the area had lots of damage. Mine are secured with straps and stones on top. Any other ideas for reducing heat? Or maybe they don't mind it too much?...the place they were before coming to live with me had no shade at all. I didn't see how they survived there!

**Jer733** · 06-15-2009, 04:28 PM

Folks go get yourself some of those inexpensive ratcheting staps at a hardware store.

I use them all the time on my hives to hold them together in case they fall or I am moving them.

Works great for a small number of hives, likely not a large operation....